Naples-born drummer and composer Marcello Cardillo, has performed alongside
some of the world’s most renowned musicians. He is currently residing in New York City,
where he regularly plays in some of the city’s most historic venues.
He won many prestigious awards while still in college, including the Downbeat College Award,
the Bucharest International Jazz Competition and the Keep an Eye Jazz Competition.
After earning his Bachelor and Master at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, he got a scholarship
to attend the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York where he got his second
Master’s degree. While there, he studied with contemporary masters such as Kendrick Scott,
John Riley and Miguel Zenon.
A regular face on the bandstand in New York City’s jazz scene, he’s performed at Smalls,
Dizzy’s, The Django, Nublu, and Minton’s Playhouse. During his career he has shared the
stage with names such as John Clayton, Bob Mintzer, Vince Mendoza, Steve Wilson, Stacy
Dillard, Logan Richardson, Jesse Van Ruller, Troy Roberts, Jaleel Shaw, Fabrizio Bosso and
particularly with legendary bassist Buster Williams with whom, besides having played in Mr.
Williams’ historic band “Something More”, he recorded his album “Portrait of a Moment” which
led to an European tour in 2025.
