Nico Morelli made his first step into the Italian jazz scene during 1991 recording his debut CD with Steve Lacy, Glen Ferris and ZETEMA Orchestra (from Matera, Italy); a great occasion to be introduced to all Italian jazz musicians. In 1993 he released his first album as a leader exposing his compositional skills as well as his musicality

Titled "Behind The Window", the CD is released by Y.V.P. Music (Germany) and recorded with Paolino Dalla Porta and Roberto Ottaviano. Morelli's musical personality is quite evident: melodies and atmospheres from the beginning of the Century's classical music as well as traditional jazz approach, complex rhythmic interplay and a deep sonic research.

Morelli refers to white pianists from the past (L.Tristano, B.Evans as well as K.Jarrett from the present) in order to describe his playing without refusing a "black" (more rhythmic) approach to piano.

On a recent interview Morelli said his own way to compose music comes from a pure effort of having his two "souls" (Classical and Jazz) mixed; he confirmed that this kind of approach (developed and loved by musician from the past) still has a strong creative influence on today's musicians. 

Born in Taranto (1965) he started as a self-taught musician, playing in pop groups all around his region.
Later, at age 19, he proceeded to a proper piano tuition getting a degree at The Conservatory of Music (Taranto). He mastered his studies with Workshops and Seminars in Rome with M° Aldo Ciccolini. 

He attended at the same time jazz Workshops (Siena Jazz, Berklee School of Boston courses in Perugia, Manhattan School courses in Castelfranco Veneto) and jazz seminars (in France with Paul Bley, in Italy with Franco D'Andrea and Enrico Pieranunzi). 

He performed live in the most famous Jazz Festivals and jazz-clubs of Italy.

Recently Morelli worked with artist like: Bob Mover, Enrico Rava, Flavio Boltro, Marco Sannini, Pietro Condorelli, Giampaolo Casati, Giovanni Tommaso, Roberto Gatto, Marco Tamburini, Enrico Granafei, Paul Jeffrey, Jay Clayton, Klaus Lessman, Paolo Fresu, etc. 

In the "Top Jazz" Award ("Musica Jazz" January '99) he was one the best new talents of the year. In January '99 he won third price at "Piano Jazz" competition (Vanves, Paris), voted by famous pianist Martial Solal. In May '99 he won first price with his "Jazz Air Trio" at "Viva il Jazz - Cittą di Milano" competition. 

As a teacher Nico Morelli taught Piano Jazz at "L'accademia Harmonium di Lecce" ('96), Imola's Civic Music school ('97,'98,'99); he taught Jazz Music at The Conservatory of Music (Lecce, '96) and hold the European Community courses at CJC Association (March '99).