Francesca Tandoi Trio: Swing with a Unique Style

Francesca Tandoi sits at the piano and sings. For her, the two are so closely intertwined that one can hardly speak of two distinct roles. Her voice has the same agility as her piano playing. And when she sings, the piano does not merely serve as an accompaniment; it remains just as present.

The Italian pianist, singer, and composer spent key years of her studies in the Netherlands. She studied at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and later at the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam. She now performs on stages far beyond Europe. She has performed at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam and Dizzy’s Club in New York, as well as at Umbria Jazz and the North Sea Jazz Festival. American saxophonist Scott Hamilton has also collaborated with her on several occasions.

Tandoi’s sound is clearly rooted in swing and bebop. She plays fast, precisely, and with a strong forward momentum. Nevertheless, her music never stops at mere virtuosity. Even in dense runs, the melody remains audible. Then again, she slows down, lets a phrase linger, or adds an accent with just a few notes.