Carlo Muscat

Carlo Muscat is recognised as one of the most promising voices on the European jazz scene, establishing himself as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader and culminating in seven albums under his name. His sixth album, Hymns, received critical acclaim, earning a four-star rating from Downbeat Magazine and a place on their Best Albums of 2023 list. This recognition marked a defining moment in his artistic development and his emergence as a distinct presence in contemporary jazz. Pianist Leo Genovese notes, "Carlo's sound and compositions are outstanding, and the interplay between him and the ensemble shows a very deep communication with the tradition of improvising music."

His seventh album, The Body Is Only Light, was released in October 2024 on the American label ears&eyes Records. Recorded in Kyiv on Sunday 24th March 2024, it features a dynamic Ukrainian rhythm section with bassist Kostiantyn Ionenko and drummer Dmytro Lytvynenko interpreting Muscat's compositions. The album reflects the emotional weight of his experiences in Ukraine, a country he had been deeply connected to since before the Russian invasion. The music captures the essence of freedom, strength, grief, determination, outrage, love, and hope.​

Beyond performance and composition, Muscat is dedicated to education and artistic development. In April 2024, he published Tone, Time, Tactic, a book focused on creative practice for saxophonists and other wind instrumentalists. His discography, spanning seven albums as a leader, reflects an ongoing evolution of his sound, each project exploring new compositional and stylistic directions. Pianist Aaron Goldberg remarks, "Carlo's fine taste is on display throughout—lyrical music with a bounce, refreshing in its conceptual simplicity."

​Continuing to expand his collaborations across Europe and beyond, Muscat remains deeply engaged in this ever-evolving language embracing freedom, interpretation, and a willingness to explore new musical territories.