Born in Marano sul Panaro(Italy), begins to play the saxophone at the age of 12 in the town marchin band and studies piano at the same time.

At the age of 20 receives a diploma in classical saxophone at "G.B.Martini' conservatorium of Bologna ,Italy.

Mesmerazid by the music of Charlie Parker abandons classical music for jazz. During this period studies with Giorgio Baiocco,plays with the Jimmy Villotti "pepper Band" and records an album with Tullio de Piscopo.

It is essentially the encounter with Barry Harris, the great pianist and teacher, wich becomes for her a point of reference and a never-ending source of inspiration.

Also significant is her meeting with Steve Grossman, considered one of the masters of modern tenor sax, together wich wom she further studies the instrument and sevelops an intense collaboration.

In the early 90's she's discovered by Francis Paudras, jazz patron and intimate friend of Bud Powell, whose story is told in the film by B.Tavernier "round midnight", interpreted by Dexter Gordon.

Paudras invite her to play in France,where she performs the opening act at the Ray Charles concert in Paris, with Jackie Terrasson, Pierre Bousseget, Bob di Meo

.She performs a series of concerts in the south of France , including the Marciac & Chauvigny jazz festivals, where she's awarded best upcoming talent

.She records her first album as a leader for the french label"Dreyfuss" with Giancarlo Bianchetti guitar, Fred Hemke piano, Reggie Johnson bass, Doc Side drums

. In France she plays with some of the country's best musicians: Rene' Urtreger, Maurice Vander, Pierre Michelot,Charles Bellonzi, Luigi Trussardi.

She partecipates in numerous international jazz festivals, playing with the great Walter Bishop Jr. , Tony Castellano, Tom Kirkpatrick, with the Steve Grossman quintet, Dado Moroni, With Bob Mover and Ray Brown ( Tel Aviv ), Renato Sellani, George Brown, Turk Mauro, Antonio Ciacca, Andrea Pozza, Adam Pache, Sasha Perry, Tyler Mitchell, Ilya Lushtak and many more.

JAZZ FESTIVALS:

Bologna, Italy- Marciac, France- Florence, Italy- Chauvigny, France- Lucca donna jazz, Italy- Paris, France- Orvieto winter jazz fest, Italy- Barga jazz, Italy- Copenahgen, Denmark- Magra jazz, Italy- Tel Aviv, Israel- womajazz, Modena, Italy- Montalcino jazz & wine, Italy- Calvi, Corsica- zola jazz & wine< Zola Predosa, Italy- Ancona jazz, Italy

She always accompanied her role as a concert player with that of a teacher

MUSIC SCHOOLS:

Dopolavoro Ferroviario, Bologna, Italy

C.E.P.A.M Reggio Emilia, Italy

Istituto superiore Agostino Paradisi, Marano sul Panaro, Modena, Italy

Associazione culturale Monteverde Roma , Italy

Music Academy Roma, Italy

Weekly jazz workshop at Bebe do samba, Roma Italy

Felt music club Roma, Italy

Video Ambiente Roma, Italy

She partecipates in various Master Classes with:

Barry Harris, Steve Grossman, Jim Rorondi, Benny Golson, Gary Smulian, Peter King, Max Ionata

In 2010 she is honored as "citizen of the year" by the town of Marano sul Panaro , Modena, Italy, for her artistic achievements.

Her music is inspired by the great jazz masters such as Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, passing through Sonny Stitt, Jackie Mc Lean and John Coltrane

She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York

contact: nicolettamanzini@libero.it