Alessandro Florio To Release Controra Avenue

Guitarist Alessandro Florio’s trio returns after ten years with 8 new compositions and arrangements – out on April 17, 2026.

Named after the hottest, early afternoon hours of a South-Italian day and a fictitious New York avenue, his upcoming release Controra Avenue is out on April 17. Born in the Mediterranean but recorded in just a few takes in the Big Apple, Florio offers a brimming energy with lots of space for himself and his trio to showcase their undeniable talent. Joined by Kyle Koehler (Don Braden, Ed Cherry) on Hammond, Carmen Intorre Jr. (George Benson, Wynton Marsalis) on drums, and guests Troy Roberts (Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling) on saxophone, with upcoming vocalist Laura Taglialatela to complete the group’s lineup, Controra Avenue has something to offer for everyone.

With Controra Avenue, Florio and his trio offer spontaneity and musical camaraderie in its finest form. Recorded in one, maybe two takes each, these eight pieces burst at their seams with that heat-of-the-moment-type vibe that you’d normally feel with such a group of experienced musicians and friends on the bandstand. Florio even included on track, Trouble#02 by Stanley Turrentine, that wasn’t supposed to be included: celebrated saxophonist Troy Roberts started playing the theme in the studio, the trio followed along, and the rest is history. Florio and his crew call it a ‘happy accident’, but really, isn’t this type of improv what jazz is all about?  

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