dicembre, 2026
Live Jazz in Rome December 29: Nat King Cole Tribute

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Dettagli evento
Looking for live jazz in Rome on Tuesday, December 29, 2026? Spend an elegant evening with WITH RESPECT TO NAT – A TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE, a jazz
Dettagli evento
Looking for live jazz in Rome on Tuesday, December 29, 2026?
Spend an elegant evening with WITH RESPECT TO NAT – A TRIBUTE TO NAT KING COLE, a jazz concert celebrating the timeless voice, beautiful melodies and refined swing of one of the most beloved performers in American music.
At Elegance Cafè Jazz Club, Filippo A. Delogu on guitar and vocals, Oliver Von Essen on piano and Light Palone on double bass recreate the intimate instrumental setting associated with the historic Nat King Cole Trio.
With no drums, the music finds its rhythm through the natural interaction of piano, guitar and bass.
A perfect way to enjoy the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Rome, combining romantic jazz, gourmet dining and signature cocktails in an intimate setting.
Tuesday, December 29, 2026 · Elegance Cafè Jazz Club – Rome
- Doors open: 6:00 PM
- Dinner service: From 7:00 PM
- Live jazz concert: 9:30 PM
- Drink + Concert: €25 per person, including admission, a table and one eligible drink
- Dinner + Concert: At least two à la carte courses per person, with the concert included; price depends on menu choices
RESERVE YOUR TABLE FOR DECEMBER 29
With Respect to Nat: the timeless charm of Nat King Cole
Some singers have the rare ability to make even the simplest melody feel deeply personal.
Nat King Cole was one of them.
His warm and distinctive voice, effortless phrasing and exceptional musical sensitivity transformed American popular songs into timeless performances.
Before becoming internationally famous as a vocalist, Cole had already established himself as a remarkable jazz pianist.
His musical legacy combines these two identities: the sophisticated improvisational language of jazz and the emotional intimacy of great vocal interpretations.
With Respect to Nat celebrates both aspects of his artistry.
Guitarist and singer Filippo A. Delogu approaches the repertoire with sensitivity and respect, accompanied by Oliver Von Essen on piano and Light Palone on double bass.
Rather than imitating Cole’s voice or reproducing the original recordings exactly, the trio explores the musical qualities that made his performances so enduring.
The emphasis is on melody, swing, natural phrasing and the close relationship between voice and instruments.
The result is an elegant concert that invites listeners to rediscover the beauty of the Great American Songbook through an intimate jazz ensemble.
The Nat King Cole Trio sound: piano, guitar and double bass
One of the most distinctive features of With Respect to Nat is its instrumental line-up.
Unlike many contemporary jazz groups, this trio performs without a drummer.
The ensemble consists of piano, guitar and double bass, recalling the celebrated instrumental format of the historic Nat King Cole Trio.
Swing without drums: a refined musical balance
In this setting, rhythm is not created by a separate percussion instrument.
Instead, it emerges through the interaction between the guitar, piano and bass.
The guitar provides rhythmic movement and harmonic support, while the piano adds melodic ideas, rich harmonies and improvisational possibilities.
The double bass connects the instruments through a steady but flexible musical pulse.
Together, the three musicians create a sound that can be intimate, light and rhythmically engaging at the same time.
This format gives every phrase room to breathe, allowing the voice to remain expressive without overpowering the ensemble.
Filippo Delogu’s personal interpretation
For this tribute, Filippo A. Delogu combines guitar and vocals, drawing on his background in traditional jazz and the swing music of the 1930s and 1940s.
Oliver Von Essen’s piano and Light Palone’s double bass complete a musical conversation based on listening, balance and shared rhythmic expression.
The instrumental format reflects the spirit of the original Nat King Cole Trio, while the musicians develop their own interpretation of the repertoire.
It is precisely this combination of simplicity and musical detail that makes the concert especially appealing to listeners who appreciate classic swing and romantic jazz.
From Smile to When I Fall in Love: Nat King Cole’s musical world
Nat King Cole left an extraordinary catalogue of jazz performances and popular songs.
His recordings are celebrated for their expressive warmth, beautiful melodies and the way his voice could communicate emotion with remarkable naturalness.
Smile: the beauty of an unforgettable melody
Among his most beloved interpretations is Smile, based on a melody composed by Charlie Chaplin for the film Modern Times.
Cole’s interpretation became one of the most memorable versions of the song, demonstrating his ability to bring emotional depth to a seemingly simple musical phrase.
When I Fall in Love, Stardust and timeless romance
Songs such as When I Fall in Love and Stardust represent the romantic side of Cole’s musical legacy.
Their expressive melodies and lyrical character make them enduring examples of the Great American Songbook.
His 1957 album Love Is the Thing also included At Last, adding another memorable interpretation to his romantic repertoire.
After Midnight: Nat King Cole’s jazz roots
Alongside his extraordinary success as a singer, Nat King Cole remained deeply connected to jazz piano.
His 1956 album After Midnight reflects that instrumental tradition and his continuing relationship with swing and jazz improvisation.
With Respect to Nat is inspired by this musical world, combining classic jazz with the warmth of American popular song.
The titles mentioned above are important examples from Nat King Cole’s repertoire; the exact setlist for December 29 has not been announced.
Meet the musicians: Filippo Delogu, Oliver Von Essen and Light Palone
The concert features a three-piece ensemble that places melody, musical interaction and swing at the centre of the performance.
- Filippo A. Delogu – guitar and vocals
- Oliver Von Essen – piano
- Light Palone – double bass

Filippo A. Delogu – Guitar and Vocals
Filippo Delogu is a guitarist and tenor banjo player with a long-standing passion for traditional jazz.
He began performing at a young age, working as a rhythm guitarist with swing orchestras and developing a particular interest in the music of the 1930s and 1940s.
His musical studies include work with Eddy Palermo and Michele Ariodante, as well as seminars with Agostino Di Giorgio and Barry Harris.
He also completed the Berklee College of Music improvisation course taught by Gary Burton and studied with guitarist Marco Acquarelli.
His career includes performances at major jazz events such as Umbria Jazz, Summer Jamboree, Roma Jazz Festival and Summertime at Casa del Jazz, alongside international festivals and other musical projects.
He founded the band The Jazz Russell and has developed an approach that connects traditional swing with later jazz styles.
In addition to performing and teaching music, Delogu has explored the relationship between jazz, creativity and organisational innovation through academic research.
With With Respect to Nat, he brings this knowledge of the classic jazz repertoire to an intimate vocal and instrumental tribute.
Oliver Von Essen – Piano
Oliver Von Essen provides the piano voice of the trio.
His playing supports the harmonic structure of the arrangements while interacting with the guitar and double bass.
Within this drummerless line-up, piano also contributes to the rhythmic movement of the music, connecting accompaniment with melodic and improvisational expression.
Light Palone – Double Bass
Light Palone completes the ensemble on double bass.
The instrument provides harmonic depth and rhythmic continuity, supporting the relationship between piano, guitar and vocals.
In a trio without drums, the double bass plays an especially important part in maintaining the natural swing of the performance.
Together, the three musicians explore the elegant musical language associated with Nat King Cole and the classic American jazz tradition.
Dinner and live jazz in Rome: the Elegance Cafè experience
The music of Nat King Cole naturally evokes an atmosphere of romance, sophistication and timeless elegance.
At Elegance Cafè Jazz Club, in Rome’s Ostiense district near Piramide, those qualities become part of a complete evening of live music, contemporary dining and signature cocktails.
The intimate venue is designed for attentive listening, with soft lighting, comfortable seating and carefully considered acoustics.
This setting is especially suited to a drummerless jazz trio, where subtle instrumental details and the warmth of the voice are essential to the experience.
The restaurant, led by Chef Marco Roselli, draws inspiration from Creole and Cajun culinary traditions of the American South, offering a contemporary interpretation of distinctive flavours.
The cocktail bar complements the evening with mixology inspired by the speakeasies of Prohibition-era America.
For Tuesday, December 29, guests can choose between two booking options.
Dinner + Concert
Enjoy at least two à la carte courses per person, with the live jazz performance included.
The final price depends on the dishes selected from the restaurant menu.
Dinner service begins at 7:00 PM, before the concert at 9:30 PM.
This is a particularly appealing option for couples and guests looking for a romantic dinner with live music in Rome.
Drink + Concert – €25 per person
Includes concert admission, a table and one eligible drink, such as a cocktail from the selected drink list, a glass of wine or a beer.
Arrival for this option is scheduled between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
Discover more about our restaurant with live music in Rome.
Things to do in Rome on Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Spending the final days of the year in Rome?
If you are looking for things to do in Rome on December 29, a live jazz concert is an elegant way to enjoy the festive season before New Year’s Eve.
After a day exploring the city, its museums and historic neighbourhoods, Elegance Cafè Jazz Club offers an intimate alternative to conventional nightlife.
With Respect to Nat brings together the charm of classic swing, romantic American standards and the expressive warmth of a small jazz ensemble.
For couples, the timeless melodies associated with Nat King Cole create the perfect atmosphere for an evening together.
For jazz lovers, the drummerless trio offers an opportunity to experience one of the classic instrumental formats of American jazz.
For international visitors, it is a chance to discover Rome’s live music culture in the Ostiense neighbourhood, away from the busiest tourist areas.
Dinner and concert or drink and concert options allow guests to enjoy the evening according to their preferences.
The result is a memorable experience combining beautiful music, refined dining and the pleasure of a relaxed night out in Rome.
Explore more ideas for a romantic dinner in Rome.
Event details and reservations – December 29, 2026
Event: With Respect to Nat – A Tribute to Nat King Cole
Date: Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Music: Traditional jazz, swing, vocal jazz, Great American Songbook
Venue: Elegance Cafè Jazz Club
Address: Via Francesco Carletti, 5 – 00154 Rome, Italy
Neighbourhood: Ostiense / Piramide
Line-up
- Filippo A. Delogu – Guitar and vocals
- Oliver Von Essen – Piano
- Light Palone – Double bass
Schedule
- Doors open: 6:00 PM
- Dinner service: From 7:00 PM
- Live jazz concert: 9:30 PM
- Drink + Concert arrival: 9:00–9:30 PM
Booking options
- Drink + Concert: €25 per person, including admission, a table and one eligible drink.
- Dinner + Concert: At least two à la carte courses per person, with the concert included. Final price depends on menu choices.
Information:
BOOK YOUR JAZZ EVENING FOR DECEMBER 29
Enjoy the warmth of Nat King Cole’s music, the intimacy of a classic jazz trio and a refined evening in Rome during the final days of 2026.
Discover more live jazz concerts in Rome at Elegance Cafè Jazz Club.
FAQ
Are there vegetarian/vegan options on the menu?
Yes, vegetarian dishes are available, and vegan options can be provided upon request.
Can I have dinner during the jazz concert?
Yes, each evening offers either a dinner + concert or a drink + concert option. We recommend booking in advance to secure your table.
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes, gift cards are available for all scheduled events, except New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, tables are limited to ensure an intimate and high-quality experience.
How can I stay updated on upcoming events?
You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on the best jazz concerts in Rome and upcoming events at Elegance Cafè Jazz Club.
Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Elegance Cafè is accessible to guests with reduced mobility. Please mention any specific needs when making your reservation.
What time does the concert start?
The concert starts at 9:30 PM, but the aperitivo is available from 6:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM.
