John De Leo

The Profile

Italian vocalist and composer known for experimental approaches and extended techniques. Former frontman of Quintorigo; he left the group in 2005 and launched his solo path with Vago svanendo.

With Quintorigo he recorded Rospo and Grigio, performed at Sanremo twice (earning awards for arrangements and criticism), received the Tenco Award, and won at Arezzo Wave. His solo debut Vago svanendo features a 25-piece jazz orchestra on Big Stuff (Leonard Bernstein), toy-instrument arrangements on Bambino marrone, percussive bass clarinet on Tilt, and voice sampling on Freak Ship. The edition includes a DVD with a monologue by Alessandro Bergonzoni. Collaborations include guitarist Fabrizio Tarroni. Review comparisons include Demetrio Stratos and Mike Patton.

One review salutes John De Leo’s fearless experimentation and singular voice, tracing his path from Quintorigo to the solo debut Vago svanendo. It highlights awards with Quintorigo (Sanremo, Tenco, Arezzo Wave) and his taste for deconstruction. The album blends jazz orchestration, toy-instrument textures, vocal sampling, and playful sound design. Comparisons to Demetrio Stratos and Mike Patton underline his versatility.