OUR ALBUM IS OUT NOW!
It is rare that instrumental projects by Italian players having roots in jazz, rock and fusion music manage to capture music lovers’ attention worldwide.
OUR ALBUM IS OUT NOW!
ABOUT
The debut album Moonlight propelled Drift Lab into the international spotlight, garnering acclaim from both critics and audiences within the contemporary fusion scene. However, labeling this project simply as “fusion” would be an understatement.
Drift Lab is the musical vision of Manuele Montesanti—composer, arranger, sound designer, pianist, and keyboardist. Since 2018, Montesanti has been crafting a sonic language where seemingly distant worlds coexist: the harmonic complexity of jazz and the precision of classical composition meet electronic textures, cinematic soundscapes, and the cutting-edge timbral experimentation of modern sound design.
The result is neither a jam session nor club-oriented electronica; nor is it orthodox jazz. It is music written with rigor but performed with freedom, where improvisation finds its home within intricate harmonic architectures. Each piece begins with a precise score, only to open up into sonic explorations that traverse genres without being confined by any of them.
Following the success of Moonlight with the original lineup, the project now enters its second phase. Montesanti leads a new lineup featuring Roberto Porta on drums, Guido Della Gatta on guitar, and Marco Pistone on bass, with Alessio Meleo overseeing sound engineering. Together, they are developing an evolving sound where every timbral detail carries as much weight as the harmony supporting it.
Drift Lab remains a project in motion, faithful only to its own quest: a sound that bridges jazz roots and contemporary imagery, instrumental virtuosity and electronic curiosity, composition and experimentation.
THE BAND
MANUELE MONTESANTI
My musical adventure began as a game in 1985, when my parents bought me a beautiful "toy": my first piano. I received classical training at the National Academy of St. Cecilia in Rome, which I remember as a very demanding experience. It was only after realizing that my creative world was different from my classical studies that I decided to fully embrace synthesizers and a "modern vision" of the piano. I specialized in Jazz/Contemporary Piano, Harmony, Comping, Composition, and Arrangement at the UM “Università della Musica di Roma”. Today, I work as a pianist, keyboardist, programmer, and sound designer. I operate as a session musician (live & studio), arranger, and demonstrator for both musical productions (soundtracks, video games, apps) and the development of software and hardware products for brands such as Yamaha Synthesizers, Native Instruments, Novation, IK Multimedia, and AudioThing. I am also a dedicated educator and the founder of lezionipianoforte.net. I am the founder of the Drift Lab project, through which I produce my music and perform it with the musicians of my choice.
GUIDO DELLA GATTA
GUIDO DELLA GATTA is an Italian guitarist, composer, and session musician known for his versatile command across contemporary Jazz, Pop, and Orchestral music. A distinguished graduate of the Saint Louis College of Music, Guido brings a rich blend of technical precision and expressive composition to the Drift Lab project. 🌟 Key Collaborations & Projects Guido has been a core member of touring bands and ensembles for both international Jazz legends and major Pop figures: Jazz Masters: Shared the stage with figures like Richard Bona across prestigious festivals including the Jarasum Jazz Festival and the KZN International Jazz Day Festival. Also collaborated with acclaimed pianist Aaron Parks. National Pop/Rap: Session and touring guitarist for leading Italian Pop artists, including Geolier and Rocco Hunt. 🎶 Solo Career & Composition As a bandleader, Guido's focus is on deeply narrative, modern instrumental music: Debut Album: Released the acclaimed debut album, "Close But Far", with his original Quartetto della Gatta project. The album was launched at Rome’s prestigious Casa del Jazz, featuring special guest Gianluca Petrella. 📺 Broadcast & Session Work A seasoned professional in high-pressure studio and broadcast environments: RAI Television: Served as an orchestra musician for multiple national TV broadcasts and major annual events, including Sanremo Young, L’anno che verrà (New Year's Eve), and Festival di Castrocaro.
MARCO PISTONE
MARCO PISTONE is an Italian electric bassist, arranger, and composer. His playing is characterized by technical authority and deep stylistic versatility, ranging across Jazz, Fusion, Rock, and Orchestral Pop. Marco holds a Master's Degree with Highest Honors (110/110 Summa Cum Laude), bringing an elite academic and professional background to the Drift Lab rhythm section. 🌟 Touring & High-Profile Session Work Marco is a highly sought-after musician in the Italian and international live and studio circuits: Queen at the Opera: Served as the Principal Bassist for this major orchestral rock tribute, performing in prestigious Italian venues (Teatro Arcimboldi, Teatro della Conciliazione, etc.). Studio Collaborations: Recorded and performed alongside notable Italian artists, including Ron (featured on the album Sono Un Figlio) and the Gospel singer E.B. Turner (collaborator of Mariah Carey and Chaka Khan). Arrangement: Beyond performing, Marco has contributed as an Arranger on studio projects, showcasing his comprehensive musical knowledge. 🏆 Awards & Recognition His technical prowess has been formally recognized on the international stage: Best Bassist Award: Winner of the Best Bassist Award at the international final of the Taubertal Festival in Germany (2017). Media Presence: Featured and interviewed by BassYourLife, the leading Italian online channel for electric bassists. 📚 Academic Background Marco's advanced musical knowledge is built upon a rigorous academic path: Master's Degree: Graduated with Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude) in Jazz Musical Disciplines (Interpretive, Compositional, Executive) from the "O. Respighi" Conservatory of Latina. Mentorship: Studied with leading figures in Italian contemporary music, including Massimo Moriconi and Marco Siniscalco.
ROBERTO PORTA
ROBERTO PORTA is a professional drummer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and composer whose unique style bridges the technical rigor of classical/symphonic percussion with the energy of modern genres like Jazz, Fusion, Rock/Progressive, Pop, and Funk. Recognized for his remarkable versatility, Roberto’s career spans high-profile international tours and prestigious academic achievements, positioning him as a standout talent of his generation. 🌟 Career Highlights & International Stage Roberto has established his authority through significant professional endorsements and performances alongside global icons: Global Playalong Contest Winner: Selected as the winner of the Drum Channel / Roland Global Playalong Contest (2023) by an iconic judging panel including Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, Gregg Bissonette, and Thomas Lang. PAS Finalist: A finalist in the prestigious PAS (Percussive Arts Society) Drumset Competition (Indianapolis, 2022), where he performed for judges like Dave Weckl, Aaron Spears (Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga), and Matt Greiner. Paul Gilbert (MR. BIG / Racer X): Featured drummer on the summer tour in Italy (2025). Jason Derulo: Unexpectedly invited to perform the entire set with the global star during a Romanian tour (2023), playing in front of an audience exceeding 100,000 people. Nicole Cherry: Regular drummer for one of Romania’s most popular pop singers (2023, 2024), opening for acts like J Balvin, Jason Derulo, and Robbie Williams. Corrado Rustici: Toured Italy with the internationally renowned guitarist and producer (2024). 🎓 Academic & Educational Excellence A deep commitment to both classical and contemporary music defines Roberto's foundation: Berklee "Best Talent": Awarded "Best Talent" at the Berklee Courses during the Umbria Jazz Festival (2013), and subsequently selected by Maestro Giovanni Tommaso to open the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival. Academic Distinction: Holds a Master's Degree in Symphonic Percussion Instruments with Highest Honors (Cum Laude) from the G. Rossini Conservatory of Pesaro (2018). Lizard Academy: Received the Highest Diploma from the LIZARD International Music Academy (2017) and secured First Place in the national "Lizard Expo 2018" competition. Educator: Dedicated drum instructor for the professional drum course at the LIZARD CMM Centro Musica Moderna.
ALESSIO MELEO
ALESSIO MELEO is an Italian Sound Engineer, Music Producer, and official ADAM Audio user, active in the professional audio industry since 2016. As the technical architect behind the Drift Lab sound, Alessio’s work spans all phases of audio production—from tracking and mixing to mastering—ensuring the project's sonic integrity and modern aesthetic. 🎧 Audio Philosophy & Expertise Alessio’s approach is distinguished by a rare blend of technical precision and musicality, rooted in his background as a classically trained pianist. Studio Focus: Founder of Ground Lift Studio, where he manages recording, mixing, and mastering, catering to both national and international artists. Signature Sound: Particularly renowned for his meticulous attention to detail in high-impact elements like drum sounds and vocal clarity. Modern Workflow: Specializes in staying at the forefront of audio technology, utilizing the latest high-definition remote mixing and mastering techniques. 📚 Education & Technical Authority His expertise is supported by a solid academic background and partnerships with leading industry brands: Academic Background: Holds a degree in Sound Engineering from the "L. Refice" Conservatory in Frosinone. Industry Collaborations: Serves as an official user of ADAM Audio and collaborates with brands such as Yamaha, Zildjian, and Meinl, showcasing his active role in audio development and demonstration.