b. 31 August 1965, Milan, Italy. A classically trained pianist, Battaglia graduated from the Conservatory of Milan and soon afterwards made his recording debut for Splasch Records. He toured Italy and other European countries, playing classical music, especially baroque music, and also occasionally giving jazz concerts. He had shown an interest in jazz from the age of 14 and over the years he varied his repertoire between the two forms. As his jazz playing began to dominate it was clear that his work in this form was notably influenced by his classical training and leanings. He played a frequently recorded with various leaders, including Dewey Redman, Marc Johnson, Barre Phillips, Steve Swallow, Kenny Wheeler, singer Tiziana Ghiglioni, trumpeter Enrico Rava, soprano saxophonist Roberto Ottaviano, and alto saxophonist Lee Konitz. He made numerous own-name recordings in the 90s, mainly for Splasch Records, some solo and some in duo, with for example drummers Tony Oxley, and Pierre Favre. The piano/drum format clearly engaged his interest as he also appeared with drummers Billy Elgart, Michele Rabbia and Roberto Dani. He also recorded as leader of small groups, which often included enduring comrades, bass player Paolino Dalla Porta and drummer Roberto Gatto. These three also performed as the trio Unknown Flames. Battaglia also led large multi-media ensembles, which he labelled as his Theatrum, recording Gesti and Mut(e)azioni. For his ECM Records debut, Battaglia was joined by percussionist Rabbia and bass player Giovanni Maier, the latter alternating with violinist Dominique Pifarely. His touring band in the early and mid-00s included Michael Gassmann (trumpet), Mirco Mariottini (clarinet), Aya Shimura (cello), Salvatore Maiore (bass), and Dani (drums). A strikingly gifted technician, Battaglia's work has helped bring the valuable contemporary jazz movement in Italy to international audiences.

Listen to Stefano Battaglia at Finetune.

• (2007)  Re: Pasolini
• (2006)  Raccolto

• Cosa Sono Le Nuvole?
• Canzone Di Laura Betti
• Teorema
• Fevrar
• Pasolini

• Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa
• Franco Battiato
• Gianna Nannini
• Jovanotti
• Mina (Italy)
• Paolo Conte
• Tiromancino
• Vasco Rossi
• Vinicio Capossela
• Zucchero
• Modena City Ramblers
• Yo-Yo Ma
• Bjork
• Cibo Matto
• Dave Douglas
• David Murray
• Deftones
• Gianluca Petrella
• Hugh Hopper
• Joey Baron

• eddielin11