29.10.2021, by Luca Testoni

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Simone Alessandrini, 38 years old, a Roman musician (he plays the alto sax) and composer, who will perform with his Storytellers quintet on Friday, October 29th, as part of JAZZMI FUTURE, a JAZZMI event spotlighting newcomers of Italian jazz hosted by Milan’s Teatro Filodrammatici.

«I notice that Italian jazz, which has always been characterized by a strong lyrical and melodic component, is slowly widening its horizons to new sounds and solutions. I think the arrival of some new-generation musicians is greatly enriching the Italian musical landscape, effectively creating a new scene.

I feel I myself am part of this phenomenon, together with my Storytellers ensemble. I created it with a New Orleans-inspired frontline in mind, with three wind instruments, but with a spirit and sound closer to rock».

Simone has been collecting accolades for himself and his captivating quintet, which also includes trumpeter Antonello Sorrentino; Federico Pascucci (tenor sax and clarinet); Riccardo Gola (double bass and synth bass); and Riccardo Gambatesa (drums). Their daring spirit and journey towards uniqueness have been universally appreciated, and their impactful instrumental sound proves once again how jazz is still a genre in constant evolution.

In Milan, Simone Alessandrini and his bandmates will perform a full live version of their latest album, “Mania Hotel”, released at the end of September with Parco della Musica Records. «Just like our debut, which was released in 2017, this one was conceived as a concept album», he explains. Every song is inspired by true events, connected to the theme of madness. Or, to be more precise, to the thin line separating sanity from madness. The stories, which I wrote myself, act as a frame for our instrumental pieces».

What about his musical models of reference? «When composing the album I was inspired by early 20th century Italian music, by Tom Waits’s songwriting and by Northern European contemporary jazz, from Mats Gustafsson’s Fire! Orchestra to Angles 9».

One last question: which groups do you feel are more in sync with your sound, and you would like to recommend to our readers? «Tell No Lies, Hobby Horse and Roots Magic».

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