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MALTATODAY 4 August 2019

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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 AUGUST 2019 5 THIS WEEK MUSIC happen slowly composed a drum solo as an introduction for an original tune composed by Vincent. Hence this synergy in work- ing as a team, but also with our own individual contribu- tions to the compositions, based on our backgrounds and cultures, gives Blue Tan- gerine a character of its own. What can you tell us about this upcoming album? What are some of the key influences in it, and how would you say it builds on your previous work? Traditional styles of music fused with modern elements. This project involves styles that I researched, studied and practised throughout my years of being a student of music. One small anecdote I recall is how Vincent did arrangements of some tunes by Hermeto Pascaol, a great Brazilian composer. Coin- cidentally, years ago when I was in Brazil I took some les- sons from a Brazilian drum- mer called Zé Eduardo Naz- ario. Only recently I found out he was one of the drum- mers for Hermeto Pascoal, something I didn't know at the time. What do you make of the local music scene? What would you change about it? The local music scene is getting better and better. We've finally got two main clubs that host good music on a weekly basis, and this is really good for the local mu- sicians who want to exhibit their work for the serious lis- tener. The Malta Jazz Festival is also a very important plat- form, one of the best in Eu- rope in my opinion, which not only brings in high level musicians but also great masterclasses for music stu- dents. It also creates the op- portunity for locals to open up for international artists. More local musicians are taking music studies very se- riously and I also feel good local music is being pro- duced. We are opening up as musicians, and should keep striving to support each oth- er's projects. However I feel that tradition is being lost. And tradition, for me, is the root of all music. I honestly think we need to educate and teach our children to listen to the right kind of music from a very young age. I be- lieve it makes an impact and a difference in our society, it makes it a better one and it makes us more sensitive to certain things in life. Sensi- tivity, a feeling which is being lost unfortunately. What's next for you? I try to take things at a slow pace with whatever I do in my life. At the moment I am focusing mostly on this pro- ject and I am looking forward to the launch of the album in Paris which is going to be held on September 12 at Sun- set Jazz Club. Apart from that, are booked for two other concerts in October, also in Paris. After that, I'll be open to any op- portunities that come by. I have a dream to tour with this band, it would surely be an enriching experience. Last year I read an auto- biography by a Jazz pianist, Fred Hersch, 'Good Things Happen Slowly'. I believe they truly do. Meanwhile another pas- sion of mine is music educa- tion and I am at the moment very happy teaching drums and percussion at the Malta School Of Music, I look for- ward for the next scholastic year to share my new experi- ences with my students. Blue Tangerine's self-titled debut album was supported by the Malta Arts Fund. "We need to educate and teach our children to listen to the right kind of music from a very young age" Joseph Camilleri. Photo by Steve Delia

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