Peter Wockner's interview with pianist and composer Stefano Bollani 12 May 2015

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Peter Wockner:

You started playing music at the tender age of six. Do you recall the moment when you realised that you were improvising on the piano and can you describe how that made you feel?

Stefano Bollani:

I don’t, actually. But I guess I started improvising immediately, as any other child would do in front of all those keys.

PW:

The trumpeter Enrico Rava has been such an important mentor to you. Can you describe the influence he has had on you and what are his qualities that endears him to so many jazz fans?

SB:

He’s got a unique voice in modern jazz. Basically, the main point is that he plays as he speaks. Music is clearly a statement he’s making. That makes the people gather around, I think.

PW:

What are the key elements of your music that allows it to communicate with the audience?

SB:

If I knew the key elements, that would be really boring for me. No idea.

PW:

You’ve been known to say that music for you has no boundaries and proof of this was your performance on grand piano in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Can you describe the reaction by the people to this performance and inspiration you must have given them?

SB:

That was great. Everybody seemed happy to be there. That’ s what I’ m longing to see in any kind of concert: joy and happiness

PW:

Unfortunately some people still like to put music and musicians into pigeon holes as a convenience to their marketing strategy or whatever. Has this been a help or a hindrance to you over the years?

SB:

I never felt in a pigeon hole so I can’t say anything on the subject. Anyway, as far as I can say, being held or kept somewhere has never been particularly useful in somebody’ s life.

PW:

In the marketing of the Stefano Bollani product what 21st century mechanisms to you use to sell yourself. For example is social media all important or is it just part of the strategy?

SB:

I love marketing strategies, as soon as I’ m not involved! Life is not that long.

PW:

Your current album “Joy In Spite of Everything” sort of sums up the role of music in today’s world. It would seem that quite often it is the only thing positive happening on the planet. What is the role of music today and has its role changed over the expanse of time?

SB:

Music can relax an incredible amount of your brain and stimulate other parts which are usually blocked.

Music can help you develop the feeling you’re entwined to the Big Spirit. Music can let you spend the most wonderful time you can imagine. Who could ask for anything more?

PW:

You are one of the modern collaborators in jazz. Which of your musical collaborations has given you the most satisfaction?

SB:

nrico Rava. We started playing together in 1996 and never quitted.

PW:

What can Australian audiences expect in terms or repertoire from your forthcoming tour?

SB:

I think they should not expect anything but having fun. Hamilton and me, we never decide the songlist or the atmosphere we’re gonna set. It happens on stage. He’ s a fantastic musician and a totally cool human being: you’ re all gonna be bandolim’ s fans after the concert.