MODERN BLUES

Lorenzo Pieracci, Voce e armonica Ivo Nicola, Chitarra Diego Nicola, Basso Mirco Ghidossi, Batteria

The group was first called a “Blues Band” in 1974 in the local newspaper, “Il Dovere”. Thanks to the efforts of two young editors, Giorgio Fieschi e Bibo Verda, the band opened for another Swiss group, “The Freeway”. As the formation did not have a singer the name “The Free Blues Band” was chosen to reflect their artistic vision of bringing to together Free Jazz and the Blues. In 1977 they were joined by jazz drummer Gianni Bertossa and a concert was recorded and transmitted on Radio Svizzera Italiana. The following year they appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival in a showcase dedicated to Swiss Jazz. Unfortunately, this brief success was followed by a steady decline as the public turned its back on Free Jazz and while the band courageously struggled to present their original music. The Blues Scene has undergone dramatic change and expansion since those early days but without the courage and stubbornness of musicians like them it might well have fizzled out. In January this year, an impressive event involving dozens of local musicians was organised to celebrate the 60th birthday of the twin brothers Ivo and Diego. Their presence at Blues to Bop continues that celebration as we all offer our congratulations and thanks for their 40 years of performances.