In Stefano di Battista's words, jazz and him met by chance. On his way to a rehearsal with his folk band in Italy, Di Battista was captivated by the image of a saxophonist on the cover of a magazine, the cover art from a jazz compilation featuring Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and Art Pepper. This tempted him to buy his first jazz CD, its music giving him the impression that jazz would let him play as freely as he lives. 'That's how the love story started,' he adds jokingly.

Discovered by a Blue Note producer in his twenties while performing at various jazz bars in Paris, Di Battista became acquainted with jazz legends such as Elvin Jones, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, who helped shape his musical identity. Now heading to Beirut for a performance organised by Liban Jazz at the Music Hall.

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