Francesco Crosara Jazz Quartet

ZEN ARTS GROUP proudly presents the FRANCESCO JAZZ QUARTET, headed by jazz pianist Francesco Crosara with an all-star lineup featuring saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev, bassist Farko Dosumov, and drummer D’Vonne Lewis. The group will present original compositions by Crosara inspired by jazz, classical and latin idioms, plus select jazz standards revisited. Expect vibrant and exuberant music!

“A pianist who originally hails from Italy, Crosara is well-versed in bop lore, and his delicate flow might indicate a debt to Bill Evans.” Down Beat Magazine “The kind of sensitive swing seldom heard since Bill Evans. Crosara’s rubato meanderings are precious insights into his fertile imagination and harmonic daring.” Jazz Times Magazine “Francesco Crosara proves he is a pianist with expert chops and broad interests. […] Crosara has an awareness of world music but a firm grounding in the modern jazz vernacular. His major piano influences are unsurprising: Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Like them, he has an interest in electric as well as acoustic jazz.” All About Jazz “Crosara’s compositions are considerate of their audience, providing a source of joy, comfort, escape, and healing. Crosara believes jazz is a collective experience and a “living language” that distills a multitude of identities, backgrounds, and personalities.” Earshot Jazz

FRANCESCO CROSARA Originally from Milan, Italy, Francesco Crosara’s music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical training, along with Latin influences. Francesco stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. Since 2017, the Northwest can claim his talents, too, as he’s demonstrated an eagerness to contribute to the local scene. Francesco was selected to perform at the 2021 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle and has been featured two years in a row in the trend-setting Earshot Jazz: The Second Century series for his bold and innovative music composition and video work. In Seattle he routinely collaborates with local stalwarts like Gail Pettis, Jay Thomas, John Stowell, Nathan Breedlove, Milo Petersen, Alexey Nikolaev, Clipper Anderson, Mark Ivester, D’Vonne Lewis, Osama Afifi, Farko Dosumov, Bruce Phares, and more. A new CD project will be released in 2024 with the Origin record label.

ALEXEY NIKOLAEV Since 2000, Alexey lives and works in Seattle. He performs with groups, Axiom Quartet, Greg Williamson Quartet (Ponyboy Records), Jay Thomas Big Band, Emerald City Big Band, and is a member and saxophonist soloist of Doctor Funk Band (Strokeland Records). As a recording artist, Alexey performs and records with musicians like pianists John Hansen, Mark Seals, John Sanders, Bill Anchell, Randy Halberstadt, Tony Foster; vocalists Greta Matassa, Dee Daniels, Jackie Davis, Karen Shivers, Kelley Johnson, Kelly Eisenhour, Martin Ross; trumpeters Jay Thomas, Tom Marriott, Vern Sielert, Jim Sisco Andy Omdahl, Steve Mostovoy; trombonists Dave Marriott, Dan Marcus, Gary Shutes; saxophonist Bill Ramsey, bassists Jon Hamar, Doug Miller, Clipper Anderson, Douglas Barnett, Chuck Kistler, Paul Gabrielson, Chris Symer, Jim Cliff; drummers Greg Williamson, Brad Boal, Garey Williams, Hose Martinez, Adam Kessler, Matt Jorgensen and many many more.

FARKO DOSUMOV Farko Rustamovich Dosumov was born and raised in Uzbekistan. Farko and his identical twin brother, Feodor Dosumov, began playing the classical guitar when they were ten years old. By the time the Dosumov brothers were in high school, Farko was playing electric bass and Feodor was playing electric guitar in multiple projects throughout Tashkent. In 1999 Farko moved to New York City to pursue a future career in music. Farko later attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington, and specialized in jazz bass. Since then, he has played with many talented artists and groups such as Double Impact with his twin brother Feodor Dosumov, Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder, Carlos Santana, Jonny Lang, Pura Fe, Flowmotion, Jazzukha, Duende Libre and many more.

D’VONNE LEWIS Composer, bandleader, poet and drummer D’Vonne Lewis is the grandson of the “Godfather of Soul and Rock & Roll,” 1950-60s Northwest organ legend, Dave Lewis. At 34 years old, D’Vonne is already considered the most versatile jazz drummer in the Seattle area. Known as a first-call drummer to many musicians, his gigs range from jazz, funk, hip-hop and rock to Brazilian and African – though most are quick to point out that his impeccable swing and musicality are what crystalize his connection with jazz varieties. Lewis has also performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; pianist Marian McPartland; guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli; clarinetist Eddie Daniels; and out-sax titan Charles Gayle.