About Marcello
Marcello Cardillo is an Italian drummer, composer and educator from Naples, currently based in New York City. An active presence in the city's vibrant jazz scene, he regularly performs at some of its most renowned venues and collaborates with internationally acclaimed musicians.
Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with artists such as John Clayton, Bob Mintzer, Vince Mendoza, Steve Wilson, Logan Richardson, Jaleel Shaw, Troy Roberts and Fabrizio Bosso. Among his most significant collaborations is that with legendary bassist Buster Williams, with whom he performed in his band Something More and later recorded the album Portrait of a Moment, alongside pianist Tommaso Perazzo, followed by an Italian tour in 2025.
Recipient of prestigious international awards, including the DownBeat College Award, the Bucharest International Jazz Competition and the Keep an Eye International Jazz Competition, Cardillo earned his Bachelor's and first Master's degrees at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam before receiving a scholarship to attend the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where he completed his second Master's degree, studying with Kendrick Scott, John Riley and Miguel Zenón.
Drawing from his experiences on both sides of the Atlantic, he continues to develop his own artistic voice as a drummer, composer and bandleader.