“Merry Dave Christmas” is the new album by pianist Davide Locatelli. The album represents the artist's fifth recording work and his first dedicated to the Christmas repertoire.
The album offers 10 famous Christmas songs reinterpreted in a jazz key and enriched by the characteristic style of the pianist, known for his approach that combines different musical influences. A project that aims to reinterpret the classics with a personal touch, without moving away from the atmosphere of the festive period.
In this interview, Locatelli talks about the creative path behind the album, the musical choices and his reflections on the link between tradition and innovation.
THE INTERVIEW
Davide, let's talk about this new project of yours. It is your fifth album, but the first with a Christmas theme. Why did you decide to make a record of this genre?
After years dedicated to reinterpretations and original pieces, I wanted to face a different challenge for 2024. I wanted to make an album that collected the Christmas songs that accompanied my childhood, the ones I listened to every year during the holidays. It was the right time to put them together in a single project and reinterpret them with my style.
What song on the album are you most attached to? Is there a classic that you consider “your” Christmas song?
They are all wonderful pieces, but if I had to choose one I would say Last Christmas by Wham! It's a song that has always moved me and I think my version has a personal reading that makes it unique.
You definitely gave the song a special touch, maintaining its strength but making it your own. Let's talk about live: do you have any plans to bring this project live?
Certain! There will be a special presentation on Monday 16 December at the Warner Music pop-up store in Milan, in Piazzale Gae Aulenti. Additionally, I will be attending several events throughout the month. Then, after the holidays, I will return to California, where I currently live.
Family Christmas, I guess. Will you be playing anything over the holidays?
Maybe I'll leave the piano aside for Christmas! I play it all year round, so during the holidays it's nice to take a break to be with the family.
Do you already have plans for 2025? Can you reveal something to us?
I'm working on new songs, both originals and reinterpretations. 2025 will be full of music, I can't wait to share it all with you. In our world it is important to never stop, everything moves quickly.
In recent years you have contributed to the growth of the crossover genre between classical and modern music. Do you plan to continue on this path or do you plan to explore new genres?
I consider myself a crossover pianist, open to innovation. I'm not tied to just one genre, I do what I like and what represents me. Each project is influenced by the mood of the moment, so I don't rule out experimenting in the future.
This Christmas album is definitely an example of what you just said: a project you felt you had to do.
Exact. When you think about your career, there are things you feel the need to talk about. For me, a Christmas album was one of those missing pieces.
You are originally from Bergamo, but now live in California. Is there something “Bergamo” that you brought with you to Los Angeles?
Let's say I could become the first polenta importer in Los Angeles! Jokes aside, I believe that determination is a common point: people from Bergamo are hard workers, and I see the same spirit in Los Angeles, where the competition is very high and the bar is rising higher and higher.
You have also collaborated with Dolce & Gabbana for artistic projects. How important is art in your career?
Art is fundamental for me, at 360 degrees. I am also a collector of works of art. The collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana is a meeting between fashion and music that has continued for years and always gives me great satisfaction.
Thank you so much Davide for this chat and for your album, which will surely be a perfect soundtrack for this Christmas. See you soon!
Thanks to you, Marco. Greetings to all WECB readers and happy holidays!
LISTEN TO THE RECORD
WEB & SOCIAL
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