Artist Detailed Info: Giulio Risi

Pianist, Composer, Writer and Producer

Giulio Risi is a multi-award-winning composer, pianist, and writer, widely recognised for his inventive blending of contemporary classical music with elements of pop, gospel, and jazz. His approach intertwines lyrical melodies with sophisticated harmonies and rhythms, crafting evocative soundscapes that defy conventional genres and deeply resonate with listeners.

Over the years, Risi has released several acclaimed albums, evolving from jazz roots in his early works to a contemporary classical style. His performances have captivated audiences at festivals and events worldwide, praised for their powerful and emotive delivery. Beginning his journey at a young age, he immersed himself in the rich traditions of classical music and jazz, refining his craft as a pianist and expanding into composition. This exploration led him to develop a style that fuses classical structures with modern influences, resulting in a sound both timeless and innovative.

Early Life
Born in Salerno, Italy, Giulio Risi began his musical journey with classical piano studies. Over time, his passion evolved into rock music, followed by an emerging interest in jazz. At the age of 17, he began his professional career, performing in local jazz venues and embarking on national tours with pop singers.

Career
At 25, shortly after moving to London, Risi’s career began to grow steadily. In 1999, his debut album “Partido Alto” earned him a nomination for the Perrier Award for Best Young Jazz Musician of the Year. The following year, he partecipated to a Middle Eastern tour alongside Tony Jones (Nina Simone’s producer). A year later he joined David Steele’s (former member of The Beat and Fine Young Cannibals) on tour promoting Steele’s album Underneath the Ice. In 2003 he composed the soundtrack for Antonello Novellino’s film “La Pianta”, [1] winning Best Original Music at the Montefranco Film Festival. That year, he also composed music for commercials (Lozenge and Loyd Grossman). [2]

His second album, “Deep Down Where the heart beats no more” (2005), was met with enthusiastic international reviews, praised for guiding listeners on an ideal journey across nations through eleven tracks, each inspired by a particular culture. [3] The album featured contributions from top European musicians, including bassist Henry Thomas (from Alan Holdsworth’s band), Gilad Atzmon, and Asaf Sirkis and includes a renowned rework of an Edoardo Bennato folk track titled "La Fata"[4] as well as Piano & Bit / Il cuore e il fiore , another standout on the album, a tune that spans from funk to neoclassical and features rapper Be Atwell. [5]

For several years, Risi has also been a member of the English progressive rock band Jadis, produced by Marillion.[6] [7]

In 2010 and 2011 the pilot tracks Liquido inquinante and Danza dei lobotomizzati, part of his singer-songwriter EP Nemesi di un'araba fenice, were previewed at the Premio Augusto Daolio and the Premio Musica Controcorrente. Although Risi won the Best Lyrics Award at the Daolio [8] [9] and the Best Artist Voted by the Web Award at Musica Controcorrente, [10] he decided not to proceed with the album's release.

In February 2025, Risi's latest album, “Seven sketckes of loss (compositions for piano and holograms)" has been unveiled. The project explores the multifaceted theme of loss through seven contemporary classical pieces. Infused with jazz harmonies and new-age soundscapes, these compositions evoke an immersive, atmospheric experience. The album’s first single, The Abyss, debuted at the composition contest A Music for Piano City, where it reached the final round.

Writing Career
Giulio Risi’s first novel, “Vita d’uomini morti” (Life of Dead Men - Eretica Publishing, 2022),[11] received widespread recognition for its dark and unique style, which contributed to the book winning several literary awards, [12] [13] establishing him as a new voice in contemporary Italian literature.

Awards
1999 - Best Young Jazz Pianist of the Year Award - London Jazz Club "606" (Nomination)

2003 - Award for Best Original Music - Montefranco Film Festival

2004 - Best Keyboardist on a tour Award - Planet Sound

2008 - Best Prog-Rock Keyboardist of the year Award- Rock Express

2010. - Augusto Daolio Award for Best Lyrics

2011 - Musica Controcorrente - Award for best artist voted by the web

2022 - Casentino Prize Literary Honorary Award

2022 - Kerasion Literary Award

2022 - Victoria 3.0 Literary Award

2022 - Franco Loi Literary Award

2024 - Composition Contest "A music for Piano City" - Finalist

Discography - Albums

1999 - Partido Alto
2005 - Deep Down Where the Heart Beats No More
2025 - Seven Sketches Of Loss (Compositions For Piano And Holograms)

Discography - Singles
2020 - Piano & Bit / Il Cuore e il Fiore
2024 - Ladder From Heaven
2025 - Sketch one: The Abyss (The Loss Of Self)

← Go Back