American Guitarist Ted Morcaldi, proudly hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, is making a name for himself in the UK music world. “A talent to catch” according to Jazzwise magazine, he has forged a distinctive musical voice on electric, classical, and twelve-string guitars enhanced with loops and electronics creating otherworldly textures. His new dynamic trio explores compositions inspired by the open forms and sonic architectures of Jon Hassell’s “Fourth World” music contrasted with the foundational element of jazz improvisation and the experimental spirit of Krautrock.

His latest album Celestial Stranger, released 30 May 2025 on the Clonmell Jazz Social label. It has been featured on BBC Radio 3, Radio 6, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and has earned enthusiastic reviews in MOJO and Jazzwise. The 12 tracks take the listener on an odyssey through varying orchestrations of multi-layered guitars, often creating a dialogue amongst acoustic instruments and electronics “rendered with the delicacy of a Manfred Eicher production,” - MOJO. Intimate duos with drummer Joshua Blackmore and bassist Joel Humann exemplify the strong musical bond Morcaldi has with each member of the trio. The only non-original composition on the album is David Bowie’s Berlin-era instrumental Art Decade, which features the sonic stamp of Bowie’s Blackstar bassist Tim Lefebvre alongside Morcaldi and Blackmore.

“Morcaldi’s adventurism pays dividends throughout” 

MOJO ★★★★

“Thoughtful, considered, and a talent to catch”

Jazzwise ★★★½

“Rather beautiful I think it is too”

Stuart Maconie BBC Radio 6

"A tight yet versatile trio, making the most of Ted’s intriguing compositions..... with the US guitarist equally adept on electric and acoustic instruments, enhancing the former with loops and electronic effects, often creating multi-layered soundscapes…..” 

Pete Butchers – Jazz Today

“A fabulous album. Really engaging compositions and a fascinating soundworld.”

John Parricelli

“Guitarist and composer Ted Morcaldi’s great new album Celestial Stranger introduces a fresh and important voice to the UK jazz scene. Ted’s creative, open ended compositions range from ethereal multi layered solo guitar pieces to rocky trio soundscapes, superbly played with sensitivity and flair by a world class line up.”

Chris Batchelor

“Morcaldi’s playing brings together a sense of earthiness and grit with a celestial air of exploration—economical in its expression as it is outwardly searching in its disposition”

EP Prezzano, Love All Day Records