Echo Woods

 Echo Woods is a musical ensemble founded by jazz guitarist Matteo Di Leonardo, who has been based in Brussels since 2015. Driven by a passion for innovation and sonic fusion, Di Leonardo recorded a new album in June 2024, featuring original compositions written specifically for this group and exploring new sonic frontiers.
At the heart of Echo Woods lies the fusion of jazz tradition with contemporary experimentation. The group stands out thanks to its unconventional instrumentation, blending the warmth and versatility of a classic trio — electric guitar, double bass, and drums — with a unique wind section composed of bass clarinet, saxophones, bassoon, and the sheng, a traditional Chinese mouth-blown free reed instrument. This combination creates a rich sonic landscape full of contrasts and nuance. Di Leonardo’s compositions weave sharp melodies with soft harmonic textures, where the instruments interact and intertwine, offering an immersive and innovative listening experience.
The group’s influences range from modern jazz to contemporary avant-garde, integrating elements of chamber music and ethnic sounds in a continuous play of resonance and contrast. The 2024 album represents a sonic journey through acoustic landscapes, alternating moments of melodic tension with expanses of warm, enveloping harmonies. Echo Woods’ arrangements explore subtle and complex dynamics, revealing a delicate balance between improvisation and structured composition.
With its unique instrumental lineup and a strongly experimental artistic vision, Echo Woods aims to take listeners on an immersive musical journey, where the dialogue between instruments creates an ever-evolving sonic space.
The album was released on March 28, 2025, under the Belgian label Hans Kusters Music.