Nicola Conte

Origin

Bari, Puglia

Years Active

2000–2026

Genres

acid jazz, bossa nova, jazz, nu jazz, lounge, latin jazz, world music, MPB, samba

Instruments

guitar, piano

Biography

Nicola Conte is an Italian DJ, producer, composer, guitarist, and bandleader, born in Bari, in the Puglia region, in 1964. His musical career is marked by the innovative fusion of genres, especially acid jazz, with strong influences from bossa nova, samba, 1960s and 70s Italian film soundtracks, easy listening, and Indian music. Classically trained in piano and later studying guitar, Conte became a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, known for his approach that merges jazz improvisation with modern grooves and a cinematic sensibility.

Conte is one of the founders of the Schema Records label, which promotes a distinctly Italian approach to acid jazz and jazz music in general. He was also involved in "The Fez Collective", a group of acid jazz revivalists based in his hometown. Throughout his career, Conte has collaborated with various artists and produced albums for other musicians, in addition to releasing a series of compilations focused on rare Brazilian music, such as the "Viagem" series. His discography includes acclaimed albums like "Jet Sounds" (2000), "Other Directions" (2004), and "Rituals" (2008), which solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

His music frequently explores spiritual and social themes, with a particular appreciation for afrocentric music and the jazz traditions of the 1960s and 70s. Conte is also recognized for his work as a DJ, integrating rare grooves and jazz standards into sets that have taken him to international festivals and clubs. His work is a testament to his passion for sound exploration and building bridges between different musical cultures, always with a sophisticated touch and characteristic melodic depth.

Discography

• Bossa Per Due (1999)
• Jet Sounds (2000)
• Bossa Per Due / The In Samba (2000)
• Forma 2000 (2000)
• Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella – New Standards (2001)
• Thievery Corporation Vs Nicola Conte – Sound File 002 (2001)
• Jet Sounds Revisited (2002)
• Nicola Conte Apresenta Rosalia de Souza – Garota Moderna (2002)
• Nicola Conte Meets Aldemaro Romero / Gerardo Frisina Meets Frank Hernandez – Onda Nueva Remixed (2003)
• Kind Of Sunshine / Impulso (2004)
• Other Directions (2004)
• Nicola Conte Apresenta Rosalia de Souza – Garota Diferente (2004)
• Rituals (2008)
• Rituals (Volume 1) (2008)
• The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte (2009)
• Love & Revolution (2011)
• Free Souls (2014)
• Nicola Conte Presents Stefania Dipierro – Natural (2016)
• Nicola Conte & Spiritual Galaxy – Let Your Light Shine On (2018)
• Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella – Sun Song / Nigeria (2018)
• Nicola Conte / Gianluca Petrella – People Need People (2021)
• Nicola Conte / Gianluca Petrella – Inner Light (Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythms Versions) (2022)
• Nicola Conte / Gianluca Petrella – African Spirits / Tribes (Fred P. Interpretations) (2023)
• Umoja (2023)
• Umoja (Joaquin Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythm Music & Cosmic Arts Remixes) (2024)
• Viaggio (2025)
• Tema Due, Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs – Universo Astratto (2026)
• Universo astratto (2026)