Mafalda Minnozzi

Italian-born vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi has built a singular international career spanning three continents, blending the musical traditions of Italy, Brazil and the United States into a distinctive style rooted in jazz, Bossa Nova and world music.

Born in Pavia, Italy, and raised in the Marche region, Minnozzi began performing in regional and national singing competitions before moving to Rome, where she studied dance, theater, vocal technique and Neapolitan song. She went on to become a lead vocalist on RAI TV’s popular morning program Uno Mattina and performed at some of Rome’s best-known clubs.

A 1996 invitation to perform in Rio de Janeiro proved life-changing. What was intended as a short engagement became a year-long stay and the beginning of a deep connection with Brazilian music and culture. Minnozzi eventually established herself as a prominent performer and recording artist in Brazil, signing with major label Som Livre and collaborating with such celebrated musicians as Milton Nascimento, Leny Andrade, João Bosco, Roberto Menescal, Guinga, André Mehmari, Paulo Moura and Martinho da Vila. She has recorded more than 20 albums and has been honored as an “Ambassador of Italian Song” and an Honorary Citizen of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Her artistic journey later brought her to New York and a longtime collaboration with guitarist, arranger and producer Paul Ricci. Together they formed the eMPathia Jazz Duo, releasing eMPathia (2015), Inside (2017) and Cool Romantics (2019), while developing an innovative approach to music from Brazil, Italy, France and the United States.

Minnozzi’s more recent American jazz recordings have further expanded her international profile. SENSORIAL – Portraits in Bossa & Jazz (2020) featured Art Hirahara, Rogerio Boccato, Essiet Okon Essiet, Will Calhoun, Victor Jones and Harvie S. It was followed by CINEMA CITY – Jazz Scenes From Italian Film (2021), featuring Dave Liebman, Art Hirahara and Graham Haynes, and NATURAL IMPRESSION, recorded in New York with Helio Alves, Rogerio Boccato and Eduardo Belo and special guests including Don Byron, Joe Locke, Doug Beavers, John Patitucci, Michael Wolff, Kassin and Roberto Menescal.

Her latest album, ** RIOFONIC **, brings her musical journey full circle. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian luminaries including Roberto Menescal, Jaques Morelenbaum and Kassin, the album was named Best Female Vocal Jazz Album of 2025 by the JazzWeek USA chart, accumulating nearly 3,000 spins on leading American jazz radio stations.

Minnozzi has performed at international jazz festivals, leading New York jazz clubs including Birdland, Mezzrow, The Django and Zinc Bar, and at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, while touring extensively throughout Brazil, Europe and beyond.

Her contributions extend well beyond performance. A composer, producer, radio journalist and cultural ambassador, Minnozzi was honored in 2024 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Embassy in Brazil for her role in strengthening the cultural connection between Italy and Brazil. In February 2026, she was named a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, one of Italy’s highest civilian honors recognizing Italians abroad who foster international friendship, cooperation and cultural ties.

Singing in multiple languages, Minnozzi combines the interpretive tradition of the classic vocalist with the improvisation, scat singing and rhythmic freedom of jazz. Italian lyricism, French cabaret, Brazilian Bossa Nova and American jazz converge in a style shaped by a lifetime of crossing musical—and geographical—borders.

FULL SCHEDULE

SATURDAY OCT. 17

NOON  |  Cookin’ with Wood

A live club and livestreamed, global event with John Monteleone and GE Smith

2PM  |  The Tonebars

featuring Steve Salerno (archtop guitar), Dean Johnson (upright bass), John Monteleone (archtop guitar), and Samantha Monteleone (archtop guitar) performing jazz and favorite pop standards. 

5PM  |  Paul Ricci + Mafalda Minnozi

Paul Ricci (electric and acoustic guitars) and Mafalda Minnozzi (vocalist), bringing Italy, Brazil and NYC’s favorite duo always embracing their multicultural influences from around the world.

7PM  |  Antoine Boyer & Yeore Kim

Antoine Boyer (electric and acoustic guitars), Yeore Kim (harmonica)