On Saturday, October 11th, the Frederick Holmes and Company gallery in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square will once again come alive with the sound of jazz, as pianist and composer Francesco returns with his All-Star Jazz Quartet. Set amidst the gallery’s curated collection of 20th-century modern and contemporary art, the evening will feature selections from Francesco’s acclaimed album Circular Motion alongside fresh arrangements of timeless jazz standards.

“This will be my fourth appearance at Fred Holmes gallery,” says Francesco. “There’s a real synergy between my contemporary style of music and the gallery’s own vibration. It’s a welcoming space where sound and visual art speak to each other.”

DOWN BEAT has described Francesco as “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.” Circular Motion has been hailed as “a captivating album” offering “a diverse and rich musical journey.” PARIS MOVE praised its “fertile imagination and harmonic boldness,” placing Francesco “among the Top Ten jazz composers who deserve to be known.” THAT CANADIAN MAGAZINE called it “a breathtaking response” to the jazz tradition, noting its “perfect blend of technicality in composition and imagination in improvisational flights.” And as EARSHOT JAZZ writes, “Crosara has deftly rejected the inexorably delimiting logic of linearity for a reflective and joyful circular motion—a replenishing via the return.”

Meet the Quartet

Francesco Crosara – Piano & Composition
Francesco is an Italian-born jazz pianist, composer, and educator whose music blends lyrical improvisation, classical romanticism, and Latin rhythmic vitality. With influences ranging from Chick Corea and Bill Evans to Herbie Hancock, he has performed internationally with legends such as Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, and Von Freeman. His latest album Circular Motion (Origin/OA2 Records) was nominated for NW Recording of the Year at the Golden Ear Awards and praised for its emotional depth and harmonic boldness. Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 2017, Francesco has become a vital contributor to the region’s jazz landscape, performing at major festivals, collaborating with top artists, and serving as an educator and advocate for inclusive music communities.

Alex Dugdale – Saxophone
A dynamic multi-instrumentalist and tap dancer, Dugdale is a fixture of Seattle’s jazz scene. With degrees from Eastman School of Music and Seattle Pacific University, he blends hard bop fire with rhythmic innovation, often incorporating tap as a melodic instrument. A former Earshot Jazz Artist-in-Residence, Dugdale’s performances are known for their energy, soul, and originality.

Farko Dosumov – Electric Bass
Originally from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Dosumov is a genre-defying bassist whose work spans jazz, funk, Afrobeat, and Uzbek folk. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, he’s played with legends like Michael Shrieve and Carlos Santana, and is a member of Duende Libre—Seattle’s groundbreaking jazz fusion ensemble. His groove is deep, his tone unmistakable, and his musicality endlessly versatile.

John Bishop – Drums
A cornerstone of Northwest jazz, Bishop is not only a master drummer but also the founder of Origin Records, one of the most respected jazz labels in the world. With over 100 recordings and decades of collaborations—including Hal Galper, Lee Konitz, and Bobby Hutcherson—his playing is marked by sensitivity, swing, and a deep commitment to musical storytelling.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this performance promises a rare blend of emotional nuance, rhythmic vitality, and artistic connection.

Graphic design by Julia Wright Crosara