Francesco Crosara

Born: September 13, 1960

Francesco Crosara is a Seattle based Italian jazz pianist, composer and educator, typically performing in a range of formats, from solo, duet, trio, quartet, or more.  Originally from Milan, Italy, Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences.  His major piano influences are Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock.

Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Von Freeman, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Don Menza,  Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians.

Since relocating to Seattle in 2017, Crosara has contributed to the Northwest scene in a variety of projects, styles and formats, ranging from acoustic straight-ahead jazz to electric jazz fusion with world music influences. Some highlights:

• New CD Release "CIRCULAR MOTION" (2024): from a lifetime of music creation, Crosara selected 10 of his compositions from the last 40 years with the idea of highlighting the nexus between early work, with its simplicity and youthful appeal, to later works where he expressed richer harmonic textures and possibilities.
• Crosara and his wife Julia, an abstract painter, were featured in the April 2022 edition of Earshot Jazz Magazine for their online series collaboration entitled Art Music.  
• Crosara’s April 2022 piano duet collaboration with fellow pianist Bill Anschell was featured on Jim Wilke’s Jazz Northwest show on KNKX 88.5FM (an NPR affiliate).
• Crosara’s acoustic trio was selected to perform at Seattle’s 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival.
• Crosara’s work was featured in 2019 and 2020 in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video work. 
• In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crosara participated in international virtual events, such as the 2021 Livestream from the Royal Room (USA)  the 2020 Kansai Music Conference (Japan) and the 2020 Morelia Jazztival (Mexico).

Crosara also serves on the Board of Directors of the Music Discovery Center (MDC), a non-profit organization based in Bremerton, WA, dedicated to creating an inclusive space for community members to experience, explore, and contribute to the world of music through education, performance, and mentorship. 

Awards

Na Hoku Hanahano Awards, Honolulu, Hawaii - Nomination for Best Instrumental Album, "Energy", 1993

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