Smooth Artist Interviews

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of recording a new album?

For sure is a challenging for me that I do everything by myself from A to Z, meaning literally composing, arranging, playing and recording the whole songs with many overdubs inside my digital sequencer to complete the final track. But is highly rewarding especially when the final result is coming out with the right groove and balance, which don't happen always....lol...

What elements do you look for in a song that makes it especially satisfying for you to perform?

Extremely important is first to compose a good melody, that can create a catchy hook and then to add the right rhythmic section, with appropriate sounds accordingly to the song essence and genre. Also the bass needs to move in the right 'groove' with drums, especially the kick-drum.

What do you see as the biggest challenges to the growth of Smooth Jazz in the future?

The excessive demanding by Radio Stations of too much conservative sounds, the imposition of using real instruments instead of synths or electric sound... and repetitive cliche' songs that makes many artists sounds similar or replicas of others.

Furthermore, very dangerous to the worldwide success of Smooth Jazz is the trend that see as kind of forbidden to sing in smooth jazz, meaning that this genre is pretty much mainly instrumental. These illogical barriers are big limitation for musicians, producers and audiences, especially young listeners.

Outside of your musical career, what else in your life gets you excited and fulfilled?

I love wild nature, swimming in the ocean even in winter when seawater is cold. I also enjoy archeology, quantum physics and astronomy. A special place in my life is also for philosophy. I consider myself a free spirit, but if I really need to describe my spiritual beliefs I can say that Neo-Platonism is really close to my spiritual vision. I share also many beliefs with Carlos Santana in natural magick and so on..etc.

What would be the most important piece of advice you'd impart to a young musician just starting out in the jazz/smooth jazz arena?

Respect the texture and genre of smooth jazz, but DON'T follow blindly or be inspired to repeat what other artists already did. Be genuine, personal and unique the more you can...Avoid as hell to be a clone of another artist.

What's your absolute favorite part of the World, and why?

Italy cause it's small, but not too small...really diversified in her many geographical layers...smooth...friendly... erotic...jazzy...juicy...romantic...hot & ready to be eaten like a good Italian pizza!