We are happy to introduce the vocal jazz part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents Luisa Annibali Quintet!
Meet Luisa Annibali — one of Dublin’s most exciting jazz voices and a rising star who’s been lighting up stages across Ireland, Italy, and Brazil since making Dublin her home in 2016. Originally from Rome, Luisa has become a defining presence on the Irish jazz scene, captivating audiences with her expressive vocals, boundless energy, and fearless genre-blending artistry.
Luisa’s music is a beautiful collision of worlds: the melodic richness of her Italian heritage, the infectious warmth of Brazilian rhythms, and the adventurous spirit of modern jazz. Her sound has drawn comparisons to luminaries like Esperanza Spalding and Gretchen Parlato, yet remains distinctly her own — deeply personal, boldly contemporary, and irresistibly uplifting.
Her recent releases, “My Own Paradise” and “I Could Melt,” showcase her gift for weaving feminist themes and empowering lyricism into lush, soulful arrangements. Through her music, Luisa invites listeners on a joyful journey of self-discovery, consciousness, and emotional awakening — all grounded in the timeless elegance of the jazz tradition.
A Special Italian Repertoire
On Saturday, November 15th, Luisa and her stellar quintet will present a heartfelt celebration of Italian music — blending cherished classics with her own original compositions. Expect to be swept away by traditional melodies from Naples and Rome, alongside iconic songs by legends like Pino Daniele, Gino Paoli, Bruno Martino, and Domenico Modugno. It’s a tribute to la bella musica italiana — delivered with fresh jazz sophistication and soul.
Meet the Musicians
Luisa Annibali – Vocals
The heart and voice of the quintet, Luisa brings passion, poetry, and an unmistakable artistic vision to every note she sings.
Johnathan Batista – Guitar
Originally from Brazil, Johnathan is a versatile guitarist and composer whose sound bridges jazz, soul, and Brazilian traditions with effortless grace. His warm tone and fluid improvisations bring both sophistication and groove to every performance. Now a vital presence in Dublin’s vibrant jazz and world music scenes, Johnathan performs regularly with top local and international artists, adding layers of melodic richness and rhythmic intrigue to the quintet’s sound.
Leopoldo Osio – Piano
A cornerstone of Dublin’s jazz community for over a decade, Venezuelan-born pianist and arranger Leopoldo Osio brings a masterful blend of classical training and modern jazz sensibility to the stage. His playing is marked by lyrical expressiveness and rhythmic precision, creating moments of both intimacy and brilliance. With performances at major jazz venues and festivals across Europe and Latin America, Leopoldo has collaborated with some of contemporary jazz’s most respected names, making him an essential voice in this ensemble.
Alexandre Guerra – Bass
Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Alexandre is a dynamic and expressive bassist known for his deep sense of groove and melodic sensibility. His musical journey spans traditional Brazilian music, modern jazz, and fusion, giving him a versatile palette to draw from. A sought-after performer on the Dublin jazz circuit, Alexandre is celebrated for his warm tone, impeccable timing, and intuitive creative interplay that anchors and elevates every performance.
Riccardo Marenghi – Drums
Born in Piacenza, northern Italy, Riccardo began his percussive journey at a young age before honing his craft at Milan’s prestigious C.E.M.M. Institute (Center for Education in Modern Music). His rhythmic vocabulary deepened through years of study with West African master drummer Dramane Konatè, and he developed a distinctive Afro-Cuban style through collaborations with Luis Ernesto Gomez and Emir Ersoy. With an international career spanning performances across Europe and Turkey, Riccardo brings global rhythmic depth and explosive energy to the quintet’s sound.
More info: www.luisaannibali.com
