Dugong is an up-and-coming band formed by some of the finest musicians on the European jazz scene: guitarist Michele Caiati from Milan, saxophonist Nicolò Ricci from Amsterdam, and London-based rhythm section featuring bassist Andrea Di Biase and drummer Riccardo Chiaberta. Dugong’s individual sound draws inspiration from Alternative Rock bands such as Radiohead, Modern Jazz improvisers such as Craig Taborn and Classical composers such as F. Chopin. They experiment with unusual musical techniques such as through-composed jazz pieces and improvised linear counterpoints.
Dugong released two albums: ‘Miscommunication’ (2014) and ‘The Big Other’ (2018), both followed by extensive touring across the UK and Europe. ‘The Big Other’ has been released by the independent label Honolulu Records in 2018. Renowned Italian saxophonist Pietro Tonolo (Chet Baker, Lee Konitz) joined them as a special guest for a few concerts. They played for the London Jazz Festival 2019 with acclaimed pianist Maria Chiara Argirò. Performing highlights include Ronnie Scott’s, Vortex Jazz Club, a live Radio 3 show and Bergamo Jazz Festival.
Their third album ‘Let The Good be Good’ is out now!
Press
“One-off European jazz/post-rock quartet Dugong evoke glimpses of Frank Zappa or Radiohead, with ideas running all the way from New York avant-jazz improviser Craig Taborn to Chopin. But the energy of those fusions is all their own.” John Fordham, The Guardian
“Dugong is a unique proposition on the European jazz scene.” Stuart Maconie, BBC Radio 6
“Dugong’s sound is expressive and unique, and their simple instrumentation is used to great effect, creating a highly enjoyable result on this engaging and individual album.” Jazz Journal
“There’s a sense of space and relaxation within the complexities of the music that is very appealing and which helps to make their sound distinctive.” The Jazz Mann
“The ensemble always pulses with energy, aided by an excellent sound.” LondonJazz News
