Calibro 35
Calibro 35 | |
|---|---|
Calibro 35 live in Osnago, 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Milan, Italy |
| Genres | Funk, jazz, alternative rock |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Members | Tommaso Colliva Enrico Gabrielli Massimo Martellotta Fabio Rondanini |
| Website | www |
Calibro 35 is an Italian cinematic funk band formed in 2007 in Milan. The band has released numerous studio albums, live records, and movie soundtracks, gaining international recognition for their unique sound inspired by 1970s Poliziottesco films.[1]
Their work has been extensively sampled by major global artists, including Dr. Dre for the album Compton[2] and Jay-Z for the track "Picasso Baby".[3]
Biography
The band started in 2007 when producer Tommaso Colliva and guitarist Massimo Martellotta invited Enrico Gabrielli, Luca Cavina, and Fabio Rondanini to a studio project dedicated to re-recording obscure music from Italian exploitation movie soundtracks.[4]
The first self-titled Calibro 35 album was released in 2008, featuring re-works of 1970s soundtracks by maestros such as Ennio Morricone, Armando Trovajoli, and Luis Bacalov. The critical acclaim led to international tours across Europe and the United States, including performances on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.[5]
In 2010, their second album Ritornano quelli di... Calibro 35 was released, containing original songs written for the documentary Eurocrime!. One of the tracks, "Convergere in Giambellino", was used in the end credits of the film Red starring Bruce Willis. In June 2010, the band opened for Muse at the San Siro Stadium in Milan.[6]
Throughout the following years, the group released several acclaimed albums including S.P.A.C.E. (2015), Decade (2018), and Momentum (2020), further establishing their reputation in the international funk and cinematic music scenes.[7] In 2022, they released a two-volume tribute to Ennio Morricone titled Scacco al Maestro.
2026 Winter Olympics
On 22 February 2026, Calibro 35 performed at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, held at the Verona Arena. The band was featured during the official segment "The Beauty of Sharing: Parade of Athletes", providing the musical accompaniment for the world's athletes during the final event of the Games.[8][9][10]
Sampling
The band's work has become a significant source for hip hop and contemporary productions:
- "Ogni riferimento a fatti realmente accaduti" was sampled by Dr. Dre for "One Shot One Kill" (featuring Snoop Dogg).[2]
- "Il consigliori" was sampled by Jay-Z for "Picasso Baby".[3]
- "Una stanza vuota" was sampled by The Child of Lov for "One Day" (featuring Damon Albarn).[11]
- "Eurocrime" was sampled by Demigodz for "Summer of Sam".
A complete list of artists who have sampled Calibro 35 is documented by the international database WhoSampled.[12]
Discography
Studio albums
- 2008 – Calibro 35
- 2010 – Ritornano quelli di... Calibro 35
- 2012 – Ogni riferimento a persone esistenti o a fatti realmente accaduti è puramente casuale
- 2012 – Nero e immobile (with Cesare Basile)
- 2013 – Traditori di tutti
- 2015 – S.P.A.C.E.
- 2018 – Decade
- 2020 – Momentum
- 2022 – Scacco al Maestro - Volume 1
- 2022 – Scacco al Maestro - Volume 2
- 2023 – Nouvelles Aventures
- 2025 – Exploration
Live albums
- 2016 – CLBR 35 Live From S.P.A.C.E.
- 2019 – High Tension Vol. 35
- 2021 – Live In Bklyn
- 2023 – Plays Morricone - Live
Compilations
- 2010 – Rare
Soundtracks
- 2009 – SAID, feature film directed by Joseph Lefevre[13]
- 2010 – R.E.D., end credits for the feature film directed by Robert Schwentke[14]
- 2012 – Eurocrime!, documentary directed by Mike Malloy[15]
- 2014 – Sogni di Gloria, feature film directed by Patrizio Gioffredi and John Snellinberg[16]
- 2021/2023/2025 – Blanca, TV series[17]
- 2023 – Diabolik Chi Sei?, opening and end credits for the film directed by Manetti Bros.
- 2025 – Sandokan, TV series[18]
- 2025 – Ellroy vs L.A., documentary directed by Francesco Zippel[19]
Personnel
Current members
- Enrico Gabrielli – keyboards, piano, woodwinds, percussion (2007–present)
- Massimo Martellotta – guitar, synthesizer (2007–present)
- Fabio Rondanini – drums (2007–present)
- Tommaso Colliva – production (2007–present)
Touring members
- Roberto Dragonetti – bass (2023–present)
Former members
- Luca Cavina – bass (2007–2023)
External links
- Official website
- Calibro 35 discography at Discogs
References
- ^ "Calibro 35 Discography". Discogs.
- ^ a b "One Shot One Kill". Dr. Dre Official. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- ^ a b "Jay-Z's 'Picasso Baby' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled.
- ^ "Interview with Tommaso Colliva / Calibro 35". 19 November 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- ^ "Calibro 35 on KCRW".
- ^ "MUSE Tour Dates: San Siro, Milan".
- ^ "Calibro 35 Unleash Wide-Ranging Cinematic Funk Grooves on 'Momentum'". Glide Magazine. 24 January 2020.
- ^ "The iconic moments of the Olympic Closing Ceremony". Olympics.com. 22 February 2026.
- ^ "Closing Ceremony: Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics highlights from Verona". The Athletic. 22 February 2026.
- ^ "2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony: Full Recap". People. 22 February 2026.
- ^ "The Child of Lov feat. Damon Albarn's 'One Day'". WhoSampled.
- ^ "Calibro 35 Samples, Covers and Remixes". WhoSampled.
- ^ Rockol com s.r.l. "Calibro 35 - SAID - review". Rockol (in Italian). Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ Rockol com s.r.l. "American film, Italian music: Calibro 35 on the end credits of 'RED'". Rockol (in Italian). Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the 70s". The Grindhouse Cinema Database. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "CALIBRO 35 OST for John Snellinberg". Rockerilla (in Italian). Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Calibro 35 - Blanca review". OndaRock (in Italian). Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Calibro 35 Soundtrack Credits". IMDb (in Italian). Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Ellroy vs L.A. - 2025 - documentary". Filmitalia (in Italian). Retrieved 31 October 2025.