Carlo Muscat
"Melodic. Introspective. Forward-looking."
The Body Is Only Light
(ears&eyes Records, 2024)
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Biography
Carlo Muscat is recognised as one of the most promising voices on the European jazz scene, establishing himself as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, culminating in the release of seven albums under his name.
His sixth album, Hymns, received critical acclaim, earning a four-star rating from Downbeat Magazine and a place on their Best Albums of 2023 list. This recognition marked a defining moment in his artistic development and his emergence as a distinct presence in contemporary jazz. Pianist Leo Genovese notes, "Carlo's sound and compositions are outstanding, and the interplay between him and the ensemble shows a very deep communication with the tradition of improvising music."
His seventh album, The Body Is Only Light, was released in October 2024 on the American label ears&eyes Records. Recorded in Kyiv on Sunday 24th March 2024, it features a dynamic Ukrainian rhythm section with bassist Kostiantyn Ionenko and drummer Dmytro Lytvynenko interpreting Muscat's compositions. The album reflects the emotional weight of his experiences in Ukraine, a country he had been deeply connected to since before the Russian invasion. The music captures an essence of freedom, strength, grief, determination, outrage, love, and hope.
Muscat's career first gained international momentum in 2012 when he appeared as a leader at the Malta Jazz Festival, marking his debut on a major stage. A year later, he relocated to Paris, immersing himself in the city's rich artistic environment. This period of rapid growth led to the release of his debut album, The Sound Catalogues, which introduced his compositional voice to the international jazz scene. In 2016, he returned to Paris to record his second album, Explorations, a project that showcased a more experimental approach, incorporating electric elements unprecedented in his work.
In 2018, he began a collaboration with the Ukrainian concert pianist Olena Poguliaieva, exploring the works of 20th-century Ukrainian composers. The duo's album Oda, recorded in Kyiv in 2019, was a pivotal project that shifted his artistic perspective, unlocking new sonic possibilities. Their ongoing work continues to bridge classical and jazz traditions, blending adaptations of Ukrainian and French romantic miniatures with interpretations of folk songs.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Muscat returned to Kyiv in 2020 to record Wool, his fourth album as a leader and his first with a Ukrainian quartet. Featuring pianist Yuriy Seredin, bassist Kostiantyn Ionenko, and drummer Oleg Markov, the album was finally presented live at the 2023 Malta Jazz Festival, after delays caused by both the pandemic and the war. Sharing the stage with some of the most renowned contemporary jazz musicians, the quartet delivered a powerful performance that cemented Muscat’s reputation as a fearless and inventive artist.
Beyond performance and composition, Muscat is dedicated to education and artistic development. In April 2024, he published Tone, Time, Tactic, a book focused on creative practice for saxophonists and other wind instrumentalists. His discography, spanning seven albums as a leader, reflects an ongoing evolution of his sound—each project exploring new compositional and stylistic directions. Pianist Aaron Goldberg remarks, "Carlo's fine taste is on display throughout−lyrical music with a bounce, refreshing in its conceptual simplicity."
Continuing to expand his collaborations across Europe and beyond, Muscat remains deeply engaged in this ever-evolving language embracing freedom, interpretation, and a willingness to explore new musical territories.
