The idea to record, in addition to my original compositions, three songs from the repertoire of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (P.A.P.A.), comes from a long time ago, when I came across the music, work and vision of Horace Tapscott (1934-1999). Trombonist, pianist, composer, arranger and leader of the P.A.P.A., since 1961 Tapscott dedicated his life to the empowerment of the African-American community of Los Angeles, its artistic projects and human relationships. In doing this, he set up one of the first black artistic associations made up of musicians, painters, poets, dancers, etc. "Our music is contributive rather than competitive" he used to say. Thanks to the work of Steven L. Isoardi - author of a fundamental bibliography on Tapscott and the musical life in the golden era of Central Avenue - I was able to study and to love him.
I also believe the development of human identity comes first. I am engaged in creating a special dialogue with the musicians I work with, making relationship quality a priority. So the next step came naturally to me. Over the past years, Diana, Giuseppe, Paolo and I have shared together much more than music. And last summer I invited them to record…an urgent desire to express, dictated by the need to tell a new story, a narrative inspired by the strong motivations we shared. So we have been playing, experimenting, recording in a spirit of contribution rather than a competitive one. And I hope that the wide improvised soundscapes are evidence of this.
We were happy. We had time to live this experience and make it unforgettable.
On February 6, 2015, Giuseppe was snatched away from life as he lived it fully, until the last breath. As a tribute to him, I wanted to record "Sicily", an unreleased song chosen among the beautiful music written by Giuseppe. Lucia Ianniello (June 2015).
1. Maintenant (Lucia Ianniello)
2. Ballad for Samuel (Horace Tapscott)
3. Our Summer (Lucia Ianniello)
4. Desert Fairy Princess (Jesse Sharps)
5. Other (Lucia Ianniello)
6. Peyote Song No. III (Jesse Sharps)
7. Sicily (Giuseppe La Spina)
8. Préliminaires Amoureux (Lucia Ianniello)
All tracks are arranged by Lucia Ianniello
Lucia Ianniello Bb and C trumpets, flugelhorn, effects and objects
Diana Torti voice (except on tracks 2 and 3)
Giuseppe La Spina guitars (except on tracks 2,3 and 7)
Paolo Tombolesi keyboards, acoustic bass and percussions
Recorded at LUPA Studio, Rome (Italy) from July 2014 to March 2015
Recording, mixing and mastering by Cecafumo
Cover photo by Stefano Giorgi
