7:30 p.m. – David Bowie: The Jazz Connection

edited by Ashley Kahn
with Paolo Fresu and Luciano Linzi

Looking for a connection between David Bowie and jazz is not an intellectual exercise, or one to be joked about. It exists, it makes sense, and it helps explain Bowie‘s enduring genius. He began by studying the saxophone and often played it in his songs. When Davey Jones reinvented himself as David Bowie, the transition occurred on a bridge between musical genres. He created songs and sounds that drew from different styles and vocabularies, which is one of the reasons his music is so vibrant when played by trumpeter/flicornist Paolo Fresu with a very special banddavvero. Before the concert, Paul joins legendary American journalist/producer Ashley Kahn and Luciano Linzi to help examine Bowie from an inter-genre perspective, to deepen our appreciation for Bowie as a fanand to hear his saxophone playing and jazz-inspired work.

Admission is free while seats last. You must download the ticket by registering at www.ticketone.it or at the Casa del Jazz box office open from 7 p.m.

9 p.m. – Paolo Fresu: “Heroes”

Paolo Fresu plays David Bowie. And that alone would be enough to “make the news.” He does so in the company of a stellar cast featuring Petra Magoni, Filippo Vignato, Francesco Diodati, Francesco Ponticelli, and Christian Meyer: headline news. “As soon as this project was proposed to me (by the Tuscan municipality of Monsummano Terme where in 1969 Bowie made, as a complete unknown, his first Italian public appearance),” says Paolo Fresu, “I felt honored and excited. I decided to put together a unique, purpose-built band with great musicians who are eclectic and come from diverse backgrounds, even those far from jazz. I think this is a great value. Approaching David Bowie ‘s music is a great thrill and also an extraordinary opportunity for all of us.” Fresu and co. got their hands on about 30 pieces, including “Life on Mars,” “This Is Not America,” “Warszawa,” and “When I Live My Dreams.” Each member of the band gave their own contribution in the arrangements, giving more variety and dynamism to the project. Petra Magoni, as vocalist, enjoys the most freedom, but the concert still relies on teamwork. Returning to Fresu‘s words, “Bowie is an immortal author who has always been close to jazz. We will try to have the utmost respect for his art but also be proactive, casting a fresh look at these songs.”

Training

Paolo Fresu – Trumpet, flugelhorn & electronics
Petra Magoni – Voice
Filippo Vignato – Trombone & electronics
Francesco Diodati – Guitar
Francesco Ponticelli – Double bass & electric bass guitar
Christian Meyer – Drums