Half century. What if it were a trip, it would mean several kilometers. Many, many, he has done Mario Biondi: be it metaphorically, come on Gregorian choirs of Sicilian churches to collaborations with most great international artists, both physically, during the apprenticeship, around Italy aboard his indestructible Volvo V70. Catanese by birth, but Emilian by adoption, the singer turns off fifty candles and launches her new album, «Dare», a strange Anglo-Italian synchrony.
«The verb to give represents a act of generosity but at the same time also of courage, since you never know how right what you give. There is a risk component, so its translation from English also comes into play, to dare», He reveals to us during the presentation of the project, composed of 10 original songs, 2 remixes and 4 reinterpretations of great hits. “Here’s the reason for this title: four magic letters that have always been for me a kind of mantra, a modus vivendi ».
Giving presupposes – somewhere – also receiving. From whom do you think you have received the most professionally?
“I have an endless list of people who have supported me. I remember with particular affection the pianist who tried me when I was 16, he had just returned from Denmark and asked me if I had repertoire: in the family there were my grandmother and my father who sang, I had a baggage that ranged from the thirties to the eighties ” .
And a good memory, I add.
«I remember the lyrics of over 1500 songs, it’s normal when you start making squares at 13. As a child you have a more photographic memory, things stay in your head like a snapshot: it is incredible that you still remember the words in Latin of some Gregorian chants from when I was a child and was part of the choir ».
Did he immediately deal with his big voice?
“Some classmates at 13/14 years old phoned me to hear my voice, and at the school play they made me do the voiceover, I also remember those words (ride, ed). In reality, perhaps due to my low profile, I discovered the potential late: among other things, up to the age of 26/27 I had never considered being a bass, for me – that I had Michael McDonald as a myth – it was almost a bad luck ” .
Instead it became lucky.
«Besides by chance. I was on a cruise ship and due to a fault in the air conditioning I got a terrible sore throat, my high notes were burned. To bring the evening home, I was forced to sing the whole repertoire one octave below … discovering that I was very well in that musical range ».
Cruises, but not only. If you look back, what image do you have of your mess tin?
“The life on the road: you find yourself driving 2000 kilometers, with other musicians who become brothers and the instruments crammed into the trunk. Intense moments arise, you share everything: I still remember an episode at 3 am, a car that cut our way and I nailed it. I had a Volvo V70: my pianist Giovanni Marani, who was on board, called it Achille Lauro, after the transatlantic. In the Emilian dialect he told me: “Let Achille Lauro stop him, he always takes her home” ».
In maturity, however, where would you put the turning point?
«The concert in Taormina with Burt Bacharach was an unforgettable moment, a milestone for me. But I have done so many wonderful collaborations with phenomenal musicians, from Earth wind and fire to Pino Daniele. Each one has left me something and is special in its own way ».
In short, your musical souls merge into «Dare».
«Originally I wanted to make four different records, then I decided to combine everything into a single project. It combines the early style, markedly jazz and soul, with still little explored sounds, including funk, disco, pop and even with rock passages. With me are Dodi Battaglia, Il Volo, Incognito, Oliva Trummer and also The Highfive Quintet by Fabrizio Bosso ».
Is it an album that is the result of the lockdown too?
«A project that grew up in an era of pandemic and which sees the light today that the emergency has not yet returned: I believe that in these nefarious months we have however tasted the taste of stopping, its strength. How to look at a painting for longer: usually, in the rush to get things done, you lose some detail. And I believe that in music the detail is the main part ».
Now there is a lot of talk about the Sanremo Festival, with or without an audience. What do you say?
«Sanremo is always talked about, it also draws energy from the chatter, from the news that circulates and creates curiosity. Of course, the lack of an audience for an artist means a lot, especially when you sing an unreleased song you have immediate feedback. However, I trust that those in charge understand what the margin for doing the Festival is: I care, I wouldn’t want to do without it ».
Maybe watch him with his children: he has 9, the last one – Mariaetna – born in September. Did the lockdown allow you to be with them even longer?
«For those like me who have always been used to traveling the world all year round, it was a truly radical transformation. I had more time to enjoy the family, of course, but I also have many good memories of the past: like my ex Monica, who puts the children to sleep with the song “Ecstasy”».
Among his children, some have already taken the path of music. Do you occasionally receive some private “judgment”?
“When a new album comes out, I have a habit of letting them preview it. I take the older ones and take them with me in the car, because there is too much noise in the house and you don’t understand anything. I must say that they always give me good reviews, even if – obviously – there is also a critical risk ».
To give, in fact.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
