Sponsored by KNKX. Francesco Crosara, the Italian-born jazz pianist composer based in the Northwest, will perform at the Roxy Theater with a high-powered quartet featuring saxophonist Alexey Nikolaev, bassist Osama Afifi and drummer Martk Ivester. Crosara will present original music selections from the critically acclaimed 2024 album CIRCULAR MOTION (Origin/OA2 Records), which was nominated for a Golden Ear Award by Earshot Jazz Magazine. Along with his compositions, expect introspective, energetic, and nuanced arrangements of select jazz standards.

Crosara stands among the European-bred jazz greats, performing over the years with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Don Menza, Von Freeman, John Heard, Gabe Baltazar, Mayuto Correa, Bruce Forman, Barbara Morrison, Earl Palmer, Lilian Terry, and more. His recordings have featured a multicultural and international array of musicians. He has performed at festivals and venues across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy.

Crosara’s original music melds an impressive mix of jazz improvisation, a romantic vein from his classical Conservatory training in Rome, bouncy lyrical expression along with strong Latin influences. His main jazz piano and stylistic influences are Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Zawinul.