Interview: Alfredo Gargaro



- Hi Alfredo and welcome to this interview. Tell us about your latest release!
The Breath of Fire is a continuation of Various, my first personal work released in 2016 where I mix different musical genres at the disposal of various singers from the Roman underground music scene. I divided the 10 tracks contained in "The Breath of Fire "between 5 instrumental and 5 sung. Each song comes from guitar experiences of 40 years of music between various bands and stages. All different from each other, but united by my eclectic and multifaceted spirit. For example, the album opens with an instrumental song that gives the title to the work: "The Breath of Fire" with sounds and powerful riffs, solos with calls "arabesque". On the other hand, you can listen to the instrumental "Funky Universe" with funky recalls in Hard Rock key. Let's say that I had a lot of fun and I left a lot of space for different sounds related to each other but distinct. Each singer I hosted has his own story to tell, each one different from the other but united by riffs + sounds + passion for music.

- How would you describe your sound? 
My sound is the search for new experiences related to the past. Each of us brings with him a more or less substantial baggage. When I wrote The Breath of Fire I just let my experiences come out of the strings, made of distortions, effects, modulations linked to a very personal touch. In essence, 50% is instrumentation and the remaining 50% hands. That's all.

- What do you write about? 
I'm often asked this question and I answer that the music I write is like a blank canvas: the strings are the colors that make it art and each singer with different words, tones and vibrations are the frame. Each of them, both in The Breath of Fire and in Various released in 2016 had carte blanche. There are those who wrote about Love, Friendship, betrayals, in short, the life of each of us.

- What do you listen to when you are home?
Being a multifaceted guitarist I listen to music of various genres. From Rock to Hard Rock and extreme Metal, but basically I don't give myself any limits both in my daily listening and in my study moments.

- Your favourite live performance so far? 
Sore note this. The Breath of Fire is a recent release and so given the critical period that has seen us all involved and forced to periods of isolation I have not yet had many opportunities for live performances (if not the presentation of the disc itself in February here in Rome among a few friends and famous musicians). In the past I've had many satisfactions live, both with Various and with other bands.  Every live performance is different, but they all have that flavor of freedom and pure fun that every musician craves.

- Tell us a funny story that happened in studio or on stage. 
Unlike previous works, The Breath of Fire was an album made in "Smart Working" ... I never thought I could work in style "remote office" ... It's not like me ... I like and need the contact with the other to create, put in note the feelings, ... you need to make music with others, confront, play together ... in short, be with people. The period marked by Covid deprived me of that. So I went back to the new way of working and even I from home in connection with the singers first, arranger and recording studio then I had my lessons (like at school). Between a laugh and a comforting chat between us we managed to define the work. It was strange and new for me... more fun than this?

- Your favourite albums?
IRON MAIDEN: Live After Death
OZZY OSBOURNE: Randy Rhoads Tribute
SATRIANI: Surfing With the Alien
DREAM THEATER: Images and Words
DEEP PURPLE: Made in Japan
 
- A musician you would like to meet for a beer? 
Joe Satriani and the late Gary Moore. I love Satriani's blend of blues and virtuosity, while I love Gary Moore's perfect harmony between sound power and melody.

- What would you ask for backstage, if you were the most important band on earth?
A simple thing: a good mug of cold, full-bodied beer.

- What are your plans for the near future?
To continue on this path... Putting my thoughts into music and playing Live... more and more live surrounded by sincere friends, professionals who can give me advice on how to grow more and more and lovers of healthy Rock.