Guitarist Massimo Sammi Interviewed at AAJ

Massimo Sammi has lived a diverse life, to say the least. Growing up in Italy, Sammi began playing the piano at an early age, before quitting his lessons because of his cigar-smoking instructor. After graduating high school, Sammi studied law, graduating in 1997, then served in the Italian military, where he played trumpet in the army brass band. Admitted to the bar in 2000, Sammi quickly realized that his spare time was focusing more and more on his love for composing and for the guitar.

A few short years later, Sammi made the leap from lawyer to full-time music student when he was awarded a scholarship to study jazz composition at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. In the midst of his full-time study, and maintaining a busy performance schedule, Sammi self-produced his first album First Day (2009) to wide acclaim.

AAJ Contributor and resident guitar expert Matthew Warnock spoke with Sammi about the concept behind First Day, The Prisoner's Dilemma and the concept of music as narrative.

Check out Massimo Sammi: Dawn of a New Day at AAJ today!