Mad Fellaz is an eclectic progressive band founded in 2011 by guitarist and primary composer Paolo Busatto in Bassano del Grappa (Italy). Initially inspired by the legendary artists of classic progressive rock, the band has continually evolved with outstanding versatility and creativity—both in instrumental and vocal music. Their compositions draw influence from the great prog giants such as King Crimson, Genesis, Gentle Giant, and Yes, while also embracing the innovation of more recent artists like Snarky Puppy, Screaming Headless Torsos, Vulfpeck, and beyond—without limiting themselves to any specific genre.
Currently composed of eight musicians, Mad Fellaz features members who have studied, collaborated, or recorded with prominent names such as Chick Corea Elektrik Band, Dave Weckl, Gary Meek, Peter Erskine, Zucchero, Stan Sargeant, Fabio Trentini (Guano Apes, Le Orme), William Dotto (Le Orme, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso), John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Jim Mullen.
Their most recent album, „Road To Planet Circus“ (February 2022, produced by Fabio Trentini), marks a pivotal moment in the band’s musical evolution. Embracing a more groove-oriented direction, the record features a rich blend of Jazz-Rock, Fusion, Funk, and Afrobeat, in compositions where each instrument is celebrated for its unique timbral identity. They are currently recording two new albums. One is a progressive fusion album, and the other will be very eclectic and varied.
