Aldo Romano: The Rhythm of Jazz

Aldo Romano, born on January 16, 1941, in Belluno, Italy, is a renowned jazz drummer who also founded a rock group in 1971. His family moved to France when he was a child, and it was there that he began his professional career in music. Initially playing guitar and drums in Paris in the 1950s, his passion for contemporary jazz was ignited when he heard Donald Byrd's group with drummer Arthur Taylor.

Romano's career took off in the 1960s when he started playing in Paris jazz clubs like le Chat Qui Peche and the Cameleon. He accompanied visiting American musicians like Jackie McLean, Bud Powell, Lucky Thompson, J.J. Johnson, and Woody Shaw. He also explored free music with artists like Don Cherry and Gato Barbieri, Frank Wright and Bobby Few, Michel Portal, Francois Tusques, Jean-Louis Chautemps, and Steve Lacy.

Over the years, Romano has recorded several albums that showcase his unique musical style. Some of his notable albums include "Il Piacere", "Night Diary", "Alma Latina", "To Be Ornette to Be", and "Non Dimenticar". In 1980, Romano brought pianist Michel Petrucciani to the world's attention, introducing him to the producer of Owl Records.

Romano's contributions to jazz go beyond his performances and recordings. He has been instrumental in bringing together musicians from different backgrounds and genres. His Italian Quartet with Paolo Fresu, Franco D'Andrea, and Furio Di Castri is a testament to this. He also formed Palatino, named for the Rome-Paris night train, which also includes Fresu, with Glen Ferris on trombone.

Romano's influence extends beyond his performances and compositions. His boundless curiosity for any living music brought him in contact with electric jazz in the 1970s, playing at the Riverbop with longtime associate/bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-Clark, in addition to Francois Jeanneau, Henri Texier, Charlie Mariano, and Philip Catherine. In 2004, he won the Jazzpar Prize, further cementing his legacy in the world of jazz.