Francesco Francella
“Between cultural and popular”. The three days of Ferrara Jazz Club, organized in collaboration with the Fondazione Teatro Comunale, start today in the Coletta Park and run until August 25th. Cultural and popular jazz and Brazilian music. On Thursday and Friday, Monica Salmaso, a singer who grew up on the Sao Paulo stage, will lead the stage. This evening, however, the Andromeda Turre Quintet will open a festival of free events, an education born from the partnership of singer, composer and bandleader Andromeda Turre (who has collaborated with Ray Charles, Michael Bublé, Jennifer Lopez, James Carter and with her father, Steve Turre) and double bassist from Ferrara, traveling in Europe and beyond, Marco Marzola.
Marzola, how was your quintet formed?
“She was born from an experience gained many years ago. I met Andromeda through her father, Steve Turre, who suggested that I try to play with her. The cooperation began in 2009. During this time we played several tours, and also recorded an album, which for some reason it was never released, but maybe it will come out soon.The life of musicians consists of many situations… in short, after so many years I found Andromeda again, and we gave other concerts together, with an all-Italian band. Marco Ferri on saxophone, Nico Menci on piano, myself on double bass and Tommaso Stangellini on drums. Obviously Andromeda sings.”
Is there already a line-up for the concert in Parco Coletta?
“No, because we have a lot of songs and we will solve them at the moment. We cover the whole jazz field, even original compositions written by Andromeda.”
Andromeda Turre recently performed at Lincoln Center. What is it like to play with her?
“She is a great singer. She’s really good and prepared: on the other hand, she comes from a family of musicians, starting with her father, a great trombonist.” She is originally from Ferrara, but now lives in London. What projects are you following?
“From October to November last year, I gave about twenty concerts all over Europe with Andromeda’s father. Then I went on tour in Italy with Australian singer Lily Dior. After the summer concerts with the Andromeda Quintet, I will give two more European concerts. touring February to March with Sherman Irby, playing alto saxophone with Wynton Marsalis at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. Then I will also perform with Bruce Foreman … “.
Parco Coletta is a recently renovated area of Ferrara. In your case, jazz helps in this redevelopment work.
“I wanted them to tell me the story of this park well, and it’s really very interesting. An area has been created where children play and engage in various cultural activities: I am happy to contribute in this sense.”
You know well and have participated several times in the jazz situation in Ferrara, between Torrione and Gruppo dei 10. These are important realities in your environment.
“They are absolutely sure. They promote jazz in Ferrara: they have always organized good initiatives. I can only applaud: I hope they continue to bring great musicians to the city.”