Claudio Suriano is a guitar player and composer born in Andria (South Italy). He both attended the “Polytechnic University of Bari” for a Bachelor in Industrial Design (2014) and “Saint Louis College of Music” in Rome for a Diploma in Jazz Guitar (2016) where he was mentored by guitarist Nico Stufano.

His experience in Rome has deepened his love for music and guided him in choosing his path. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Design and a Diploma in Jazz Guitar, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in Jazz Guitar at the Conservatory E. Duni of Matera. During his studies, he had the opportunity to play with the ‘Saint Louis College of Music Big Band,’ led by Maurizio Giammarco, Rosario Giuliani, Kurt Elling, Vince Mendoza, and Rich DeRosa. Following this exciting experience, he returned to Matera, and on March 12, 2019, he earned his Master’s degree in Jazz Guitar. 

Jazz became a revelation for him in 2011 during his attendance at Roma Jazz Cool 2011, a one-week experience featuring Joe LaBarbera, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Umberto Fiorentino, Sheila Jordan, and students from around the world. He participated in numerous workshops and masterclasses led by renowned musicians, including Scott Colley, Antonio Sanchez, David Biney, Justin Faulkner, Maria Neckam, Aaron Parks, Eric Revis, Rosario Giuliani, Enrico Pieranunzi, Dave Liebman, Gilad Hekselman, Nir Felder, Lage Lund, and Ralph Alessi.

Claudio Suriano’s passion for guitar and music has driven him to manage, write, and play for various bands, allowing him to explore new music and nurture his artistic and personal growth. Beginning with local bands like Drem’s Project, Still Drop, and collaborations with songwriter Elisabetta Pasquale, he played in numerous clubs and festivals.

His primary focus lies with his Trio, a dynamic ensemble that has graced festivals such as ‘Jonio Jazz Festival 2017,’ ‘Festival Castel dei Mondi 2017,’ and ‘Bari in Jazz 2018.’ This electric trio, featuring Gianluca Aceto on bass and Luca Abbattista on drums, deeply rooted in jazz, consistently infuses original compositions with new sounds and diverse styles.

with Siena Jazz Summer Excellence at San Leo Music Fest (August 21017)

Claudio’s musical curiosity extends beyond his own compositions. Notable collaborations include the ‘Majatica Ensemble’ during the ‘Majatica Jazz Festival 2018,’ participation in ‘Siena Jazz 2018 Excellences’ for the ‘San Leo Music Festival 2018,’ and sessions with L.A.-based guitarist Allen Hinds in May and November 2018. 

with Allen Hinds, Mimmo Campanale, Gianluca Aceto (November 2018)

Excitement for orchestral participation led him to become the acoustic, classical, and electric guitarist for the ‘Maxima Orchestra’ in 2016, performing with artists like Mario Rosini, Sarah Jane Morris, Tony Remy, Roberto Ottaviano, and Vince Tempera in numerous South Italian theaters.

In July 2020, Claudio’s talent earned him a spot in the International Jazz Platform, an educational project by the Wytwornia Foundation (Poland), supported by GAI – Giovani Artisti Italiani.

Since March 2019, Claudio has called Copenhagen home, collaborating with diverse artists like Jordan Jackson (UK), Sebastian Zawadzki (PL), Romulo Duarte De Oliveira (BR), Tomoko Inoue (JP), Victor Jones (US), Daniel Marques (BR), Niels Lan Doky (DK), Steve Rodby (US), and Paul Wertico (US).

with Jordan Jackson and Sebastian Zawadzki

In January 2024 he has released his first album as leader “Earth Calling” featuring Swedish Alto Sax Player Fredrik Kronkvist and Danish drummer Johannes Bohn. The album has been presented at Musikcaféen in Copenhagen (Denmark), Tenho Jazz in Helsinki (Finland) and Hampstead Jazz Club in London (UK).

From the release concert of Earth Calling in Copenhagen (April 2024)