ILARIA CAPALBO
Stockholm-based Italian bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo’s playing has been described as “bold, visionary, architectonic,” (Lira, SE) and her writing ”lush” (NoTreble, USA). Double bass, electric bass and electronics all add up to her sound palette.
Capalbo has been making an impression on the international jazz scene and captivating audiences across Europe. Aside from her quintet, which features some of the most fearless improvisers on the Swedish scene, she steadily collaborates with musicians coming from the world of classical music, pop and jazz. In every combination, her sound and expressive musicality is immediately recognizable.
She is an emotionally attuned composer with a special gift for storytelling. Her inspiration often comes from a reflection on human nature. Her music takes the listener along a journey and often connects to the audience on a deeply emotional level. Ilaria’s composition resume extends to dance and film and to many different constellations, from duo to large ensemble.
Following the international acclaim of her debut album Karthago, released in 2022 to rave reviews, Ilaria’s new work, entitled The Brightest Sun (June 12, 2026), is inspired by the transformative experience of new motherhood and has a more experimental sound that is influenced by rock + indie music as well as free jazz. A storyteller at heart, Ilaria’s new music moves through moments of chaos and of stillness, a delicately orchestrated cast of musicians giving it life and depth. Thomas Backman’s fiery energy meets Fredrik Nordström’s expressive, piercing playing on reeds to the forefront. Andreas Hourdakis’ iridescent guitar is an important part of the balance, while Henrik Jäderberg lays a powerful rhythmic foundation and Capalbo summons her powerful basslines, confirming the bass as the northern star of the quintet.
Ilaria’s band has been selected as part of the European Showcases at jazzahead! 2025 and performed at a full-seated Kulturzenrum Schlachthof on April 24, 2025 (live video below).
”It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight. […] It bolsters one’s faith in the future of jazz.” — Chris May, All About Jazz (UK)
Location: Stockholm/Malmö, Sweden
LINEUP 2026:
Ilaria Capalbo: bass+compositions
Thomas Backman: alto sax, clarinets
Fredrik Nordström: tenor&baritone sax
Andreas Hourdakis: guitar
Henrik Jäderberg: drums
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live videos
KARTHAGO, 2022, BLUENORD RECORDS
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press
”It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight. […] It bolsters one’s faith in the future of jazz.”
— Chris May, All About Jazz (UK)
”Capalbo’s writing is lush […] her rich bass tone, delicate touch and thoughtful melodicism tie it all together into a cohesive sound. A stunning debut.”
— Kevin Johnson, No Treble (USA)
“The music throughout is performed with the majesty befitting a story and history of such reverence and it serves as not just a fitting tribute to its inspiration but also to the immeasurable talents of Ilaria Capalbo as well.”
— Imran Mirza, UKVIBE (UK)
“Ni som hört Fredrik Nordströms trumlösa Dolores-kvartett har redan lagt märke till basisten Ilaria Capalbos starka, visionärt arkitektoniska spel.”
— Magnus Östnäs, Lira (SE)
“En kompositör av samma slag som Duke Ellington och Charles Mingus, inte bara en skapare av enkla teman för att rama in solisterna”
— Gunnar Wiklund, Folkbladet (SE)
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