Kekko Fornarelli


Kekko Fornarelli, pseudonym of Francesco Fornarelli is an Italian jazz pianist and composer of crossover jazz music and soundtracks.

Biography

Kekko Fornarelli began playing the piano at just three years old.
He has recorded eight albums as leader, Circular Thought in 2005, A French Man in New York, inspired by French pianist Michel Petrucciani in the three years he spent in France, Room of Mirrors, Outrush, Abaton, Anthropocene, and Naked.
He also recorded 3 albums as co-author, Mar Endins, Matter of Time, L'Ospite - The Original Soundtrack.

Kekko Fornarelli has performed in numerous international jazz festivals and clubs, playing in more than 60 countries.
In addition to his work as a musician, Kekko Fornarelli is also a composer of film soundtracks.

''Other notes:''

Room of mirrors was released in 2011 by Auand Records. Alison Bentley writes "I can't stop listening to the CD: a fusion of Romantic classical music, modern jazz and 21st century dance rhythms, played with Italian brio from the heart." His last work, "Outrush" was released in 2014.
"Fornarelli is a skilful instrumentalist with classical roots and a subtle improviser's mind". Alison Gunn of the Financial Times writes "A near-perfect balance of tension and freedom. Fornarelli's music has a pared-down yet catchy style that draws on his classical roots, with influences from pop to trip-hop to gospel"

Discography

as leader
  • 2023  Naked
  • 2021  Anthropocene
  • 2018  Abaton
  • 2014  Outrush
  • 2011 Room of Mirrors
  • 2008  A French Man in New York
  • 2005  Circular Thought
as co-author
  • 2022  L’Ospite, The Original Soundtrack // Kekko Fornarelli and Giuseppe Bassi
  • 2018  Matter of Time // Shine
  • 2013  Mar Endins // Rusò Sala & Kekko Fornarelli Trio

    Film Soundtracks

Awards
Original Soundtracks
  • 2024 - Gli Agnelli Possono Pascolare in Pace, film by Beppe Cino
  • 2024 - Pattini e Acciaio, documentary film by Rossella De Venuto ''
  • 2022 - L’Ospite, documentary film by Domenico Magno
Participation to other soundtracks