At just 27 years old, Lorenzo Simoni has already made a name for himself in the jazz world, performing in some of the most respected venues and festivals globally. He has worked alongside renowned musicians such as Christian McBride, Enrico Rava, and Melissa Aldana, and has built a career that takes him across Europe and beyond. Simoni's approach to music is centered around listening, silence, and respect, with a focus on making the musicians he plays with sound better.
Simoni's journey with music began in Tuscany, Italy, where his father was passionate about classical music. He briefly played the classical guitar as a child, but it wasn't until he was introduced to the saxophone in middle school that he found his true calling. His father's words, "if you become good at it, you can play almost anything," proved prophetic, and Simoni went on to study classical music and eventually earn a Master's degree in jazz performance.
Despite his technical abilities, Simoni didn't always feel driven by a passion for music. He recalls being gifted but not necessarily passionate, and it wasn't until he began watching masterclasses on YouTube that he discovered his true interest. He was fascinated by the way accomplished musicians talked about music, and the saxophone became an integral part of that discovery. Simoni's curiosity eventually turned into passion, and music became a way of thinking.
Simoni's approach to jazz is centered around collaboration and improvisation, which he sees as a form of democracy in music. He believes that the freedom of improvisation comes with responsibility, and that the goal is to make the music sound good, rather than to showcase individual technical ability. This approach is reflected in his work with his quartet and quintet, which features a mix of Italian and American musicians.
Simoni recently visited Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the Embassy of Italy's cultural diplomacy efforts. He performed at the Geco Cafe, bringing his unique sound to Kenyan audiences for the first time. The event was part of a series of cultural events aimed at promoting Italian heritage and contemporary jazz.
Simoni's music is influenced by his Italian roots and American jazz traditions. He has a deep affection for classical repertoire, including French, Baroque, and Russian composers. His visit to Kenya was a significant milestone in his career, marking his first time performing in Africa. Simoni's humility and respect for the musical traditions he works with are evident in his approach to music.
As Simoni continues to build his career, he remains committed to his values of listening, collaboration, and respect. His music is a reflection of his journey, and he hopes to bring his unique voice to the ongoing conversation of jazz and improvisation. With his recent visit to Kenya, Simoni has expanded his reach and introduced his music to new audiences.
Key points
- Lorenzo Simoni's unique approach to jazz emphasizes collaboration and improvisation.
- Simoni's music is influenced by his Italian roots and American jazz traditions.
- He recently performed in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the Embassy of Italy's cultural diplomacy efforts.
