After a season living in NYC, Manel Fortià stablished himself as a new voice on doublebass in the European scene. His melodic sense, rhythmic precision and creativity have made him one of the most unique and original musicians of the new generation, and have allowed him to perform with jazz luminaries such as Dave Liebman, Chris Cheek, Arturo O’Farrill, Chano Dominguez... at some of the most prestigious Jazz festivals and clubs worldwide with different projects of his own.

His recent albums as a leader include:

“Re-tornar” (Womex selection 2023, nominated at Upbeat Awards, Altaveu Award 2023…) is his co-leaded album with the talented Catalan singer Magalí Sare that digs on ibero-American folklore in a very original way.

“Despertar” (Jazz Revelations 2022 by Allaboutjazz, Latin & Jazz Selection by Downbeat, Best Jazz Album 2022 by Enderrock Awards, Núvol Award..,), playing fresh own compositions inspired in New York alongside his new European Trio featuring Spanish pianist Marco Mezquida and French drummer Raphaël Pannier.

“Arrels” (10 Best Jazz Albums of 2021 by Enderrock, finalist at 7Virtual Jazz Club Contest 2023…), the debut recording of his new free-flamenco-jazz Libérica project, featuring the multi-awarded singer and saxophonist Antonio Lizana.

In addition he has appeared in more than 60 albums as a co-leader and as a sideman, including “Estándares” (2022) with Grammy Awarded pianist Chano Dominguez & Antonio Lizana, “Tornaviaje” (2022) with Gonzalo Del Val Quartet featuring Raynald Colom and Romain Pilon, “Bulería Brooklyniana” (2018) with Marquès/Fortià/Pannier trio and “My Old Flame” (2015) in duet with Marco Mezquida.