Dino Piana

Dino Piana was an influential Italian jazz trombonist born on August 3, 1930, in Refrancore, Italy, and passed away on November 6, 2023. Coming from a family of confectioners, he began his musical journey with trumpet and accordion before settling on the trombone at 15. Piana launched his professional career in the late 1950s and gained recognition through a 1959 radio jazz contest called "La coppa del jazz." He played with notable big bands such as those led by Thad Jones and Bob Brookmeyer and collaborated with jazz legends including Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, and Gerry Mulligan. From 1969 to 1995, he was a member of the RAI orchestra and performed extensively with his son Franco Piana, a flugelhorn player and composer. Throughout his career, he was celebrated as one of the key figures in Italian jazz, active in clubs and festivals worldwide up until shortly before his death.

Piana's legacy includes collaborations with prominent artists and contributions to the jazz scene through projects like the Dino e Franco Piana Jazz Orchestra. His recordings span from early '60s quartets to later works such as the album "Al gir dal bughi," which reflects decades of deep musical friendship and expertise. Esteemed musicians like Enrico Rava have praised him as one of Italy’s greatest jazz trombonists and a major inspiration for younger generations of jazz players.