Zughè Quartet Jazz Quartet performing standard and some contemporary jazz composition

Zughé is a contemporary jazz project founded in March 2025. The group’s repertoire combines original compositions with personal reinterpretations of works by contemporary composers. At the core of Zughé’s sound is the dynamic interaction between its members, who embrace a fluid and spontaneous creative process. The name Zughé—Romagnolo dialect for “to play”—reflects the band’s playful and exploratory approach to music-making, where freedom and imagination give rise to new sonic directions.

The quartet brings together four young and highly active musicians from the Italian jazz scene:

Francesco Merli (guitar, compositions) is a Bologna-based guitarist and composer, trained at the G.B. Martini Conservatory and Siena Jazz Academy. He leads several projects and has performed at major festivals such as Bologna Jazz Festival and Crossroads, collaborating with prominent Italian jazz artists.

Alberto Bonora (alto saxophone), born in 2004, is a rising talent who began as a self-taught musician. He has already shared the stage with internationally renowned artists such as Joe Lovano and Paolo Fresu, and has received several national awards.

Sergio Mariotti (double bass), also trained in Bologna and Ferrara, is active across multiple projects and festivals. He has collaborated with a wide range of Italian and international musicians and is recognized for his versatility and strong ensemble sensitivity.

Tommaso Stanghellini (drums), a graduate of the conservatories of Rovigo and Bologna, has developed an intense performing career, appearing in major festivals and alongside leading figures of the jazz scene. His playing blends a deep knowledge of jazz tradition with a broad contemporary perspective.

Together, Zughé explores a rich and evolving musical language, balancing structure and improvisation with a strong collective identity.