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Roberto Tola

I wish to live Bein' Green!!!

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My Jazz Story

I love Jazz because it is the music of Freedom, even if it was created by chained people. I was first exposed to jazz when I was 12 years old, when I coincidentally listened George Benson on the radio. After that I discovered a new world and many other musicians including: Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Pat Martino, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and many more. All of them influenced my musical style for ever. I met and performed with Tom Harrell, Bob Mintzer, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Colin Towns, Richard Galliano, Andy Shepperd, Jill Saward, Bill Sharpe, Norma Winstone, Javier Girotto, Giorgio Gaslini, Bruno Tommaso, Giancarlo Gazzani, and Paolo Fresu. The best show I ever attended was in China, in a crowded theater with an Italian Big Band... It was the first time that a western big band performed in China. Chinese people were so kind and excited... it was an emotional experience for all! The first jazz record I bought was "Living Inside Your Love" by George Benson. It was not classic jazz, but later ahead it led me on the road to Jazz and its vast world. My advice to new listeners: don't fight to be only the best, devote your time to express yourself. Only this makes you unique!

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