Mauro Ottolini

Mauro Ottolini, born April 14, 1972 in Bussolengo, Italy, is a jazz trombonist and composer. He studied classical trombone at the Conservatory of Verona and later jazz trombone under Franco D’Andrea. Ottolini's professional career included work with the Arena di Verona from 1996 to 2008. His debut album, Ecologic Island, was released in 2005. He formed the group Ottovolante, focusing on Italian variety music and established the ensemble Sousaphonix in 2008, exploring polyphony and unconventional instruments. Notable collaborations include work with Frank Lacy, Trilok Gurtu, Carla Bley, and Grace Jones. Ottolini received the national critics' "Top Jazz" award as the best Italian jazz musician in 2012 and was appointed a cultural ambassador of Veneto by UNESCO.