Early Projects
E-Jazz
During his Sonic Art courses at the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome (2007-2009), under the guidance of Luca Spagnoletti, Leonardo developed a virtual instrument called Chord Box, built using Native Instruments Reaktor.
Motivated by the pursuit of a “pure sound,” this instrument bypasses equal temperament, instead generating sine waves with frequencies calculated according to exact harmonic ratios (pure harmonics). This approach allowed him to create hollow, pad-like textures as free from beating as possible, as well as simplified and clean percussive sounds.
The E-Jazz project focused on combining pre-programmed sequences created with this instrument and live piano performances, representing Leonardo’s first true approach to experimental music.
Later, with the help of Eduard Resina Bertran, head of the Creation and Music Theory Department of the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC), Leonardo developed a real-time playable version using Max MSP. This version was later used in several other projects, including Art.eria, Per Aria, and Leomode.
Deejazz
Through the Deejazz project, Leonardo began experimenting with electric and electronic sounds while exploring various urban styles such as drum and bass, hip-hop, breakbeat, and dubstep.
Deejazz was a dynamic collective centered around Leonardo on keyboards, Daniele “Bozz1” Cerofolini on acoustic and electronic drums, and DJ Matteo “Goma” Salvadori on decks—where he triggered samples, sound effects, vocals, and performed turntablism. Initially, they played compositions by Leonardo, but over time, they transitioned into fully embracing improvisation, even shaping the sound palette on the fly. These Deejazz sets became entirely improvised journeys, filled with surprises and beats created on the spot as the trio adapted to the energy of each venue.
From 2005 to 2009, the trio performed in a wide variety of settings, from jazz clubs to dance clubs, often collaborating with other musicians (Cosimo Boni, Daniele Malvisi, Lucio Rosa, Damiano Niccolini…) and MCs (La Primiera).
Lostress
Lostress was the trio with which Leonardo took his first steps as a jazz pianist and composer (2002-2009). Initially formed with Marco Balsimelli on bass (later replaced by Emiliano Amaddii) and Simone Duranti on drums, the trio primarily performed original compositions as well as arrangements of jazz standards, occasionally venturing into free improvisation.
Their compositions were far from conventional, embracing a more creative and stylistically elusive approach that blended various influences beyond traditional jazz structures.
The trio performed at numerous festivals and clubs across central Italy, collaborating with artists such as saxophonist Daniele Malvisi and contemporary dancer Katia Frese in the theatrical/musical show Feblus.
