Royal ranks might be wasted on rock, but we can do no other than give PJ Harvey what is PJ Harvey’s and recognize her unwavering role in indie’s ruling class. Since 1992 the British songstress has been owning the alt-rock scene with her charismatic performances and ever-changing style, and now she is finally coming to Florence. But this time, her majesty’s court boasts the talents of a Tuscan prodigy: multi-instrumentalist Enrico Gabrielli is one of Italy’s most sought-after musicians.
ph. Attilio Marasco
Michelle Davis: You grew up in Montevarchi, in the rural hinterland of Florence. Tell us about your background and your take on Tuscany.
Enrico Gabrielli: Just speaking of Tuscany spikes a hint of resentment in me, although its beauty has shaped my imagery and sensitivity in many ways. The region’s immense richness is often overshadowed by the arrogance and contentiousness of its people. Tuscans tend to be adored by non-Tuscans but they hate each other, which is typical of those who still bear the shackles of medieval parochialism. I left this cultural humus when I was 18 and chose to observe it from afar. It must have rubbed off on me anyway, since here I am badmouthing Tuscans!
MD: In a recent interview you talk of Italian music as a form of “craftsmanship” that deserves to be “exported”. Touring internationally, do you see yourself as a sort of active merchant in this trade?
EG: As often happens in the media, this phrase was kind of foisted upon me. I wouldn’t use the words “craftsmanship”, “trade” and “merchant” to express my ideas of cultural conveyance, since they are mainly used in the spheres of business and private profit. We have to start realizing that Italy is part of Europe. There is no such thing as “abroad”, an overseas haven that holds all the answers. Touring in Europe shouldn’t be considered such a faraway concept. Sure, it might not be that profitable and it takes sweat, blood and guts to plan, but it is absolutely possible. The problem lies in the fact that the relationship that Italy’s cultural micro-system has with the outside world is in the hands of aimless crazed train drivers steering “X” marked music-making machines, following in the footsteps of has-been rock stars. But no more slogans from now on.
MD: Which were your main influences? With your band Calibro 35 you’ve managed to shine a spotlight on the Crime & Jazz soundtrack genre, revisiting incredible orchestral scores by Piero Umiliani, Ennio Morricone and Riz Ortolani.
EG: Growing up, my music training was strictly based on classic and contemporary music. Until 1999 drums were totally verboten! So I really didn’t experience the music of my generation. It was only when I started playing with my band Mariposa that they opened me up to new tunes: Gong, Lounge Lizards, the Residents, popular music. This encounter really changed my life. Nowadays, I have a penchant for female figures: tUnE-yArDS, Autolux, Kelsey Lu, Cat Le Bon. On the Italian scene, I love Solki, OoopopoiooO, Sex with Giallone and Any Other. During our eight years of activity, Calibro 35 has been constantly researching and digging up some of Italy’s forgotten instrumental treasures. I’m also working on a new project with percussionist Sebastiano De Gennaro and musicologist Francesco Fusaro. On December 1, 2016, we will be launching a subscription-based record label called 19’40”, intended to showcase anti-hits, from historical compositions to more contemporary tunes.
MD: How does it feel to be playing with PJ Harvey?
EG: I breezed through the Nineties without any notion of musical contemporaneity so I missed most of PJ Harvey’s albums. This turned out to be a positive thing, for I was able to approach her work, first in studio and then on tour, with the aloofness of a collaborator and the affection of a friend. In the end, making music is all about people and empathy. On tour with Polly, John, Mick, James, Terry, Kenrick, Alain, Jean-Marc and Asso, we tend to experience things from a personal standpoint first. This puts everything into perspective: stages, distances, the world, fame. So when I come back home, I play with my bands and I really can’t tell the difference!
“Her Highness” PJ Harvey
MD: What should we expect from your concert at Obihall this October?
EG: The Six Hope Demolition Project is truly an extraordinary concert. PJH is a plastic, powerful and perfect goddess manning a cultural battle with her army of nine men, armed to the teeth with the sharp weapons of sound. Strange coincidence: I will be celebrating my 40th birthday on stage!
More information on Enrico Gabrielli’s subscription-based recording series 19’40” here. See PJ Harvey play live at the Obihall on October 24.
