A terrace full of plants overlooking the rooftops of Rome, the pure light of spring entering through the large windows and reflecting on the piano always available.
A safe hiding place, but not always.
"I discovered how to feel good at home, when we were all forced to do so four years ago with the lockdown. Before, I wasn't used to it, now I like it: it's the place where I create, where I take refuge. The roofs have always been an inspiration for art", Stefano Bollani tells ANSA, welcoming him into his living room.
These are the last days at home for the pianist, before leaving for a nine-date tour in Italy with the Danish Trio, the formation that for more than twenty years has featured him with two leading musicians on the Danish scene: Jesper Bodilsen on double bass and Morten Lund on drums.
"We met in 2002 in Copenhagen thanks to Enrico Rava who called us on the occasion of his victory at the Jazzpar prize. It was magic: it is not easy to meet artists who are constantly listening, but at the same time proactive. There is always the risk of exceeding one way or the other. They are my ideal trio."
There are many albums (seven, the first two were Mi ordini in mente and Gleda) and concerts that they have created together over the years, alternating them with their personal projects.
"I find it very intelligent to have a group for many years and have a thousand other experiences that you then carry with you, even on an unconscious level. We are an open trio with the awareness of always being there and the main element that unites us is the joy of being together", says Bollani who recently finished the third season of Via dei Matti n.0 on Rai3 with his wife Valentina Cenni.
"I don't know how the commitment I have on television manifests itself with musical projects, but somehow it happens. And I hope to be able to resume as soon as possible with Via dei Matti."
But having also been involved in pop music, have you considered the idea of taking over the artistic direction of the Sanremo festival, currently vacant?
"I have a lot of phone numbers of friends to propose", jokes Bollani, refusing to mention even a single name: "I believe that any musician and songwriter who wants to do it can. I instead only provide telephone numbers".
In live performances Bollani, Bodilsen and Lund come together to interpret, improvise and create unique moments, to experience music without prejudice.
And without a pre-arranged lineup.
"We never rehearse, two out of three of us, me first and foremost, are a bit allergic to the rehearsal room. But it doesn't take much for us to understand each other. On this tour, however, we are bringing all new music and who knows, it may become a new recording project later on ".
Mediterranean histrionics and Scandinavian rigor come together.
"If up until 20-30 years ago the differences were more noticeable, now living in a global village has blurred the definitions. However, an attitude remains - reflects the pianist -: they grew up in an artistic environment that loves boundless landscapes , and in the music it is reflected in a meditative and open attitude.
The Mediterranean contribution is in harmony, melody and a certain dose of histrionics".
The opportunity is also good to address the panorama of Italian discography, after Sangiovanni's outburst and decision to stop.
"In the history of the world, in any area, a system is formed over time, with customs, tastes, beliefs.
Then heretics arrive, who remain outside the system and change it. Young people are those who resist a given system that has been created: they can choose whether to be part of it, stay a little inside and a little outside, or stay outside completely. There is a choice, we all have it. And it also applies to music, which can be done in many ways, not just the one decided by the system. And it is right that we rebel at 20. At 40 it would be too late."
These are the dates of the Danish Trio: 15 March Brescia, 16 March Genoa, 18 March Varese, 20 March Pisa, 21 March Spoleto, 23 March Cremona, 25 March Milan, 27 March Bologna, 29 March Courmayeur.
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