Stefano Panunzi – Caravaggio (SP Music, 2026)
Italian composer and songwriter Stefano Panunzi’s new album is a magnificent double set inspired by the life and artistic vision of Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio. According to Panunzi, the album translates the painter’s use of chiaroscuro (contrast between light and dark) into music, exploring themes of despair, love, war, self-discovery and inner conflict. “I want to be like Caravaggio: to be found in the music I compose,” he shared.
Musically, Caravaggio bring together delicately crafted contemporary art rock with futuristic ambient electronica, ornamental jazz, inventive progressive rock and a dash of world music influences. Throughout the album Panunzi reveals his mastery as a composer and instrumentalist, a virtuoso of the keyboards, with superb piano and synth work, along with electric guitars, elegant trumpets and dynamic percussion appear throughout the album. You’ll hear echoes of Steven Wilson, Tim Bowness, Anathema and the classic progressive rock bands.
Notably, in contrast to much of Panunzi’s previous solo work, vocals occupy a fundamental role throughout the record. Precisely, he invited some of the finest, and highly recognizable, singers in the art rock and progressive scene, which is much appreciated. The gifted guest vocalists bring warmth, vulnerability, and conviction. In addition, there is mesmerizing spoken word in Italian.
Aside from the singers, Caravaggio also features an extensive lineup of international collaborators, including David Torn, Colin Edwin, Theo Travis, Markus Reuter, Nicola Alesini, Saro Cosentino, Fabio Trentini, Luca Calabrese, Giacomo Anselmi, Fabio Fraschini, Grice Peters, Ric Byer, Alessandro Borgo Caratti, Alessandro Inolti and Nicola Lori.
Panunzi’s solo discography includes Timelines (2005); A Rose; Beyond the Illusion; and From The Sea. Beyond his solo career, he co-founded the progressive art rock project Fijeri with multi-instrumentalist Nicola Lori in 1997.
Throughout his career, Panunzi has worked with a range of artists from the progressive and art rock worlds, including Jakko Jakszyk, Mick Karn, Gavin Harrison, Tim Bowness, Richard Barbieri, Markus Reuter, Nicola Alesini and Robby Aceto. He also co-wrote two tracks for Jakszyk’s album Secrets & Lies.
Musicians: David Torn — guitar; Grice — vocals; Theo Travis — alto flute and soprano sax; Tim Bowness — vocals; Markus Reuter — Warr guitar; Colin Edwin — bass; Nicola Alesini — sax; Saro Cosentino — guitar; Fabio Trentini — bass; Luca Calabrese — trumpet; Giacomo Anselmi — guitar; Fabio Fraschini — bass; 05Ric — bass and guitar; Alessandro Borgo Caratti — vocals and guitar; Alessandro Inolti — drums; Elisabetta Todrani — vocals and guitar; Donato Cedrone — cello; Michael Bearpark — guitar; Emanuele Bruno — keys; Marco Fuliano — drums; Maria Peters — vocals; Nicola Lori — guitar and bass.
Buy Caravaggio.