We are happy to introduce the folk part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents, from Italy, Truma.
The Truma project was born in Chioggia, Italy, in 2010, with the aim of publishing authored folk songs in the dialect that describe the life, culture, and professions of the people of the Venetian lagoon and in particular, of the city of Chioggia. The lyrics and music are written by Riccardo Vianello. On May 5, 2016, the CD of the same name was presented in the auditorium of the lagoon city.
Followed by participation in the national competition Musica nelle Aie for folk music in Faenza with the achievement of 2nd place in the exhibition, then another appointment in Chioggia, Padua, and Treviso. Their performance in Faenza and the content of the album aroused the interest of Rockit and Blogfoolk (the most important music magazines) who review the band and consider it as one of the best new releases of the year. The disco was chosen as a finalist in the dialect disks category for the TENCO AWARD the same year.
In 2017, the second album, “Per Grazia Ricevuta”, was recorded, with another dozen unreleased songs, which will see the light in the spring of the following year. In 2018, Truma participated as guest of honor at Musica nelle Aie (one of the most important folk festivals in Italy), and they have behind him numerous concerts throughout Italy. They collaborated in concert with Mark Geary well-known Irish singer-songwriter, with Vini Lopez (formerly Bruce Spreengsteen’s drummer), and in 2022 Vianello Riccardo played with Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan’s violinist). They produced the music for the theatrical works “Rosso Fuoco Truma” and “Legni Spiaggiati”.
In November 2022 they made their first mini tour to Ireland and played at Wheelan’s in Dublin with Mark Geary and Glen Hansard. In May 2023 their single and video for ORO was released, a version of the song GOLD by Fergus o’ Farrel. Their third album is expected to be released in December 2023.
The Truma is the land on which the foundations of the cities are laid of the Venetian lagoon. There Truma keeps us suspended between earth and sky. Truma plays folk music in the Chioggia dialect. The background against which their songs move is the city of Chioggia, its people, its crafts, and its legends. What better language than its dialect can be used to describe this land and its sea? The result is an operation of pride for one’s origins and dignity for dialects and traditions which in this era of globalization tends to be hidden.
At the Italian Fusion Festival, guest of the band will be the Irish singer-songwriter born in Dublin Mark Geary.
Band
Riccardo Vianello: vocals, guitars, ukulele, marranzano. (author of the lyrics)
Michele Tiengo: accordions, theremin, music boxes, choirs
Giuseppe Fedrigo: guitars, mandolins, ukulele, backing vocals
We are happy to introduce the soul/funk part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents Lulu’s World Band.
Lulù is the nickname of Luisa Annibali, an Italian-born singer and songwriter living in Dublin and performing both in Ireland and Italy. She started playing piano at the age of 7, but it took time to understand that music wasn’t just her hobby fully. As a matter of fact, after high school, she studied Law.
During her legal studies, she kept taking vocal classes and attending different Jazz, Blues, and Musical Theatre Workshops in Rome and worked part-time as a singer in bars and clubs, and at private events.
As soon as she graduated in Law, she worked in a law firm. Once she moved to Dublin, she started playing guitar and composing her own original music to realize that her career needed to change definitely.
In 2017 she made an application and successfully entered Newpark College (now in DCU) to study “Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance”.
Perfecting her technical abilities and unique sound over the years, Luisa Annibali is constantly working on live shows and studio recordings.
Her music naturally compounds different styles of music, exploring Jazz, Neo Soul, Funky, Brazilian music, and Free Jazz.
Indeed, the encounter between people from different cultures and musical influences makes her music and her performances so unique.
Very active in the jazz community, she recently got her BA in ‘Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance’ from Dublin City University. She is also an experienced vocal coach and music teacher. She worked as a singing teacher, music tutor, and vocal coach at the Sound Training College, the Sound Training Music Academy, and Music Generation Dublin City.
At the Italian Fusion Festival, on Sunday 22nd of October, she will present with Lulu’s World Band an exclusive repertoire of world music, exploring Italian, Brazilian, and Spanish music never really giving up her soul and R&B influences.
https://www.italianfusionfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Lulus-World-Band.png7411515Maurizio Pittauhttps://www.italianfusionfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logo_italian_fusion_festival.pngMaurizio Pittau2023-10-04 12:52:352024-12-06 11:13:20Lulu's World Band
We are happy to introduce the Latin part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents Barrio Cubano.
Barrio Cubano is an acoustic trio that embarks on a journey through the timeless classics of Cuban son from legends like Buena Vista Social Club, Compay Segundo, Arsenio Rodriguez, Faustino Oramas.
Led by Fabio Pitino on the Cuban trés guitar and vocals, the trio includes Claudio Mercante on the classical guitar and backing vocals and Nicolas Severin on the percussion and backing vocals—all the founders of Havana Roots band. Barrio Cubano’s performances will make you travel through Havana’s quarters and the streets of Santiago de Cuba.
Fabio Pitino – Trés guitar and vocals
Claudio Mercante – Classical guitar and backing vocal
We are happy to introduce the Jazz / Funk part of our lineup. This year, the Italian Fusion Festival presents Julyo featuring Dario Rodighiero and Conor Ray.
Julyo is a Recording Academy voting member, Award-winner, multi-platinum producer, guitar and bass player. He has previously toured and performed with Kino, Michael Brecker, Paulo Bragança, B.B. King, Cindy Blackman, Take That, Photosonic Orchestra, Kino and Dumb Type Collective. Julyo will perform at the Italian Fusion Festival 2023 with film scoring composer and Recording Academy voting member Dario Rodighiero and Irish drummer/percussionist Jason McNamara.
Dario Rodighiero, a multifaceted artist renowned as a pianist, keyboardist, and film composer, is a figure whose musical journey is as diverse as it is captivating. Resident in Dublin for the past 9 years, he has an innate creative spirit, having masterfully woven classical and contemporary elements into his compositions, earning acclaim and admiration in the process. He recently became a member of the Recording Academy, for the Grammy Awards®.
Calling all talented bands in Ireland! Are you ready to showcase your unique musical style to a diverse and enthusiastic audience? The Italian Fusion Festival is back with its next edition, and we are on the lookout for an extraordinary band with at least one element is Italian to join our vibrant lineup. This is an incredible opportunity to perform at one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. So, dust off your instruments, bring your passion, and get ready to make your mark!
The Italian Fusion Festival celebrates the vibrant and diverse fusion of Italian and Irish cultures annually. It serves as a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and creativity that arises from blending these two rich musical heritages. This unique festival brings together music, dance, art, and gastronomy, creating a truly immersive and memorable experience for attendees.
We are thrilled to invite bands based in Ireland to participate in our open call for the upcoming edition of the Italian Fusion Festival. The call is open to bands incorporating at least one Italian singer and /or musician. Whether you’re inspired by the rhythms of Tarantella, the emotive melodies of Irish ballads, or the infectious energy of British pop, we want to hear what you’ve got!
The open call is aimed at bands we have not yet had the pleasure of hosting in previous festival editions or live sessions in our radio studios.
Bio: Introduce your band and provide some background information. Tell us about your musical journey, influences, and any notable achievements or performances.
Live Performance Videos: Share the links of two videos hosted on YouTube showcasing your band’s live performances. This is your chance to demonstrate your stage presence, musical skills, and the unique fusion of Italian and Irish elements in your music. Show us what makes your band stand out!
Deadline: The deadline for submissions is 1 July 2023. Make sure to send in your email well in advance to allow ample time for consideration.
What to Expect: After the submission deadline, our panel of judges will carefully review each entry to select the band that best embodies the spirit of the Italian Fusion Festival. If you are chosen, you will have the incredible opportunity to perform alongside other talented musicians, entertain a diverse audience, and be a part of an unforgettable cultural event.
If you’re an Irish band with a passion for music and a touch of Italian influence, this open call for the Italian Fusion Festival is your chance to shine! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with fellow musicians, and be a part of a celebration that bridges the gap between Irish and Italian cultures.
Prepare your bio and live performance videos, and send them to info@italianfusionfestival.com before the deadline on 1 July 2023. We can’t wait to discover the hidden gems within Ireland’s vibrant music scene and welcome you to the Italian Fusion Festival family!
https://www.italianfusionfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Italian-Fusion-Festival-2023-open-call.jpg7871200Maurizio Pittauhttps://www.italianfusionfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logo_italian_fusion_festival.pngMaurizio Pittau2023-06-13 16:07:572024-12-06 11:17:36Open Call: Be Part of the Italian Fusion Festival 2023!
We are happy to introduce the last part of our programme. This year the Italian Fusion Festival hosts, for the first time, a Jam Session.
A jam session is an informal musical event, process, or activity where musicians, typically instrumentalists, play improvised solos and vamp over tunes, drones, songs, and chord progressions. To “jam” is to improvise music without extensive preparation or predefined arrangements, except for when the group is playing well-known jazz standards or covers of existing popular songs.
One source for the phrase “jam session” came about in the 1920s when white and black musicians would congregate after their regular paying gigs to play the jazz they could not play in the “Paul Whiteman” style bands they played in. When Bing Crosby attended these sessions, the musicians would say he was “jammin’ the beat,” since he would clap on the one and the three. Thus these sessions became known as “jam sessions.”
The jam sessions in Dublin started about 9 years ago, organised weekly, to play jazz standards in a relaxed atmosphere and to create a community of musicians in Dublin. The person who came up with the idea is an Italian, Marco Santaroni, who from the beginning involved some musicians in the organization (including Marco Francescangeli who is looking after the session at the festival). It was initially at the Grand Social, later moved to various other places (International Bar, Music café, Bohemian bar in Phibsboro, Hot Spot in Greystones). The jams are free, and very inclusive and accessible. Find musicians of all levels: professionals, hobbyists, and students. There is a Facebook page and a Meetup group to promote/organise the jams.
Here are the musicians who take part in the jam session at the Italian Fusion Festiva: Marco Francescangeli, Luisa Annibali, Riccardo Marenghi, Dario Rodighiero, Graham Wood, Maciej Blizinski, Johannes Aspman, Ken Hall, Andy Smith, Marion Smith, Mary Murphy, Enid Conaghan.
We are happy to introduce the Ethereal Jazz part of our lineup. This year the Italian Fusion Festival presents Maja Elliott Ensemble.
Maja Elliott’s music takes you on an ethereal journey through Debussy-inspired landscapes infused with classical improvisation, nordic modern jazz, ethnic rhythms and Irish overtones. Maja Elliott is a pianist, singer and composer. Her music incorporates classical, modern jazz, ethnic music and improvisation. She has been featured on Lyric FM on the Blue of the Night. She toured and recorded for 10 years with the performance poet David Tibet of Current 93 and performed alongside Will Auldham and Anohni who wrote, “Maja’s piano playing has touched me. She is so expressive, holding notes in fearless witness to subtle emotions.” She has written music for film soundtracks and co-composed music and played the piano for the film Native with Patrick Bergin.
Ben Prevo was born in Manhattan N.Y. and has been playing gigs and writing and recording songs and sounds for forty-plus years. Guitarist and vocalist Ben brings the integrity and emotional honesty of The Blues to his genre-hopping repertoire of original songs and covers. Known for his quirky style and use of dynamics, Ben has played at many festivals and venues thru the years – The Dublin Temple Bar Blues Festival, Monaghan Harvest Time Jazz Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, The Clifden Arts Festival… and more. Ben has played prestigious venues such as the Ulster Hall, the Gaiety, and the Apollo Theatre; and cities from Munich to San Diego to Woodstock New York. He’s also featured and performed on national and regional Irish radio & TV and Regional New York and Polish TV. He has released four albums—two studios and two lives—and has appeared on several compilations.
Petar Krivitsky is a Bulgarian multi-instrumentalist playing electric guitar, double bass and bass guitar. Currently, he is studying at DCU in Jazz and Contemporary music studies and performing both guitar and double bass.
Maja Elliott (piano, voice)
Ben Prevo (electric guitar)
Isabelle O’Kane (backing vocals and sound effects)
We are happy to introduce the Mesmerizing Jazz part of our lineup. This year the Italian Fusion Festival presents Antoni O’Breskey – Nomadic Piano Project
Composer, pianist and trumpet player, writer and music educator. Born in Italy with Argentine roots, he graduated in piano at Conservatorio Luigi Cherubini of Florence and introduced improvised-style piano into Irish and Flamenco music during the early 80’s, blending it with blues and creating a positively new and original jazz piano style.
Oliver Sweeney, in the Irish music magazine HOT PRESS, wrote of him: “He is a man for whom the notion of borders means very little, a genius whose music is without frontiers, and whose originality makes him one of the most innovative artists in the varied musical genres of today.”
He has been breaking barriers among many different kinds of music: “The categories of “World” and “New Age” music did not exist when O’ Breskey began his trailblazing journey yet he was the first to combine Flamenco, Basque, Arabic, Latin and Irish elements, his virtuoso jazz-styled piano uniting these traditions in remarkably original compositions.” FIONA RITCHIE, THE NPR CURIOUS LISTENER’S GUIDE TO CELTIC MUSIC, U.S.A.
He also developed a new trumpet sound mixing Irish Sean Nós and blues, as Harry Long describes in his Walton’s Music Anthology: “Breskey’s unique approach […] the playing is superb and his style successfully combines Irish traditional and blues styles” HARRY LONG, THE WALTON’S GUIDE TO IRISH MUSIC
With his work “Orekan: The Ethnic Symphony” (1992) he created a new “symphonic” concept bringing together piano (the top classical instrument which started the new “well temperament” system) with a vast variety of “not tempered” instruments, belonging to many different ethnic traditions.
“Orekan is not only a masterpiece, it is above all a unique social document which gives us a strong idea of our roots, and in addition points out a few possible roads we might take in the future” OLIVER SWEENEY, HOTPRESS
For many years and predating the times he was gathering together extraordinary musicians from all over the world, and recording more than 35 albums which form “The Nomadic Piano Collection”. Among the many collaborators who appear in this collection are: Ronnie Drew (The Dubliners), Máirtín O’Connor (De Dannan), Antonio Carmona (Ketama), Gabin Dabire, José Seves (Inti-Illimani), Benito Lertxundi, Cathy Jordan (Dervish) and many more.
He is also known to be the inspirer of the show Riverdance: “Bill Whelan developed O’Breskey’s synthesis of Flamenco, jazz and Irish traditional strands as a key structure in his Irish music and dance spectacular, Riverdance.” FIONA RITCHIE, THE NPR CURIOUS LISTENER’S GUIDE TO CELTIC MUSIC, U.S.A.
“Well pre-dating Riverdance.” FINTAN VALLELY, THE IRISH TIMES
“Ahead of his time… in 1979 Antóni O’ released a track called “Sunrise”, some of which sounds almost exactly like Riverdance”. VICTORIA CLARKE, SUNDAY INDEPENDENT
His classic and minimalist compositions for piano and cello, interpreted by his collaborator Davide Viterbo, as well as his world music, have become soundtracks for cinema, television, theatre and ballet.
His contribution to Irish music and culture was celebrated in the National Concert Hall in Dublin in 2005, 2007, 2012.
[…] O’Breskey’s musical crossovers have an ethical imperative. He seeks to mesh the majority with the minority, the present with the past, and the vocal with the silenced, so as to “deflate the ethnocentrism of classical Western music.” For this musician, musical cultures are not defined by borders, but by historical roots that reach deeply across all areas of the globe.” COLLEEN TAYLOR, THE IRISH ECHO, NEW YORK“
“Mesmerizing. O’Breskey takes a few prisoners in his search for the sublime.“ SIOBHAN LONG, THE IRISH TIMES
Consuelo is a singer, fiddle and bodhran player. She grew up in a countryside house that was a meeting point for many musicians from different cultures and traditions. Her father, composer and pianist Antonio Breschi was working in the 80s and 90s touring with projects Al Kamar and Orekan, blending classical and Jazz with flamenco, Irish, Balkan and African music.
During this time he worked with musicians like Mairtin O’Connor, Steve Cooney, Dolores Keane, Donal Lunny , Ronnie Drew and many others. The house would be a vital meeting point for these musicians and Consuelo’s love and passion for tradition almost certainly began back then. When she was sixteen she began touring with her father as a bodhrán player and singer with The Nomadic Piano Project, traveling to Ireland several times before finally moving to Dublin in 2014 to develop her fiddle playing. She has recorded on several albums for The Nomadic Piano Project, including Dancing Waves (2014) Ready to Sail (2011), Nomadic Aura (2009), Samara (2020) and Blessed Sadness (2021).
In 2014, along with fiddle player and guitarist Eoghan O’ Shaughnessy and Italian multi instrumentalist Matteo Podda, Consuelo released the self-titled debut of folk band The Morning Tree, an international trio that blend the songs and tunes of the Irish music tradition with the folk-baroque, jazz and blues inspired sounds of the British folk revival, particularly of the guitarists Bert
Jansch and John Renbourn (Pentangle) . In 2017, together with fiddle player and singer Lucie Azconaga, she formed the band Varo, a duo who perform Irish traditional songs and tunes with arrangement influences from the Folk, Baroque and Classical traditions, weaving around the melodies with harmonies, drones and countermelodies. With Varo she has performed in the last few years in numerous Festival in Ireland and abroad, including Quiet Lights Festival, St.Patrick’s Festival, Tradition Now at the NCH, and for productions such as TG4’s ‘Samhlú ’ hosted by Tommy Tiernan, ‘Celestial Body’ produced by Sofft Productions. Consuelo has also been a cover-member for Landless since January 2018. She has toured with them in Ireland, Scotland and Slovakia.
We are happy to introduce the Italian and Brazilian Jazz part of our lineup. This year the Italian Fusion Festival presents Luisa Annibali Band.
Led by the talented Italian singer and composer, Luisa Annibali Band is a Dublin-based ensemble with an international lineup. They naturally compound different styles of music, exploring Jazz, Neo Soul, Funky, Brazilian music, and Free Jazz.
Indeed, it is the encounter between people from different cultures that makes this band so unique. The warm and soulful voice of the leader combined with her experience as a jazz singer and performer make her shows interesting and enjoyable every time.
All the compositions are written by the leader, who is the curator of the entire project, and many
arrangements are written with and by the guitarist of the band Johnathan Santos. Luisa Annibali Band is certainly a collaborative team. They are currently working on their first EP, which will be released in July 2022.
At The Italian Fusion Festival Luisa Annibali Band will present a mixed repertoire of original
compositions and some of their favourite Jazz, Brazilian and Italian songs.
