(Mar. 19) – “Change country, change continent. I try to hide among the people but its my people I don’t recognize. Poor Italy, what have you done, and you skidded and you’re on your knees “. So sings Giacomo Lariccia in “Povera Italia” (Poor Italy), a song from his last release “Sunstroke”, full of “bitterness and self-criticism”. “It ‘s difficult to recognize yourself in today’s Italy – says the jazz guitarist born in Rome 37 years ago – even if it seems that things slowly are changing. In recent years our country appeared empty, consumed: too close to consumer models despite all the talents we have.” Those talents often emigrate abroad, as he did: “I’ve been living in Brussels for 12 years. When I came here I thought of staying a year at the most but things went better. I still have the dream to return in Italy but for the moment I have too many projects here. In Italy, no one invests in a young songwriter. If you decide to invest on a product you do it safely: maybe on those who can already count on a large audience because they participated a talent show. My first singer-songwriter album, ‘Sunstroke’, was born with the help of many fans who have decided to contribute. I found them thanks to years of concerts ‘at home’ in which i met really many people. As a good storyteller I left something of me in each of these houses and I took some from them. Today I have to say a special thanks to Marco Locurcio who believed in me since the beginning. He accompanied me in this challenge producing my work.” According to Lariccia, who has a degree in jazz guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, it’s not so bad to be immigrants in 2012: “Thanks to modern technology no place is too far way. I think it’s important to move and travel: it enriches you. Meeting and comparison – says the artist who will be in concert in Rome next summer – are essential in the music world and beyond. ” Talking about collaborations, Giacomo will open the Daniele Silvestri concert in Brussels on March 27. (Gil/Peg)
