Piano da Impazzire - Luca Filastro incontra Mr.B.

Crazy Piano at the Leuca Lighthouse
In Leuca, two extremely talented pianists for a sweet and impetuous concert in a unique metaphysical setting in the world.

As the last spectacular fireworks of the night of August 15th dissolve into the sky of Leuca, De Finibus Terrae is preparing to host, on August 16th at 9:00 pm, the second event of the concert series "I concerti del Faro": an event that promises sparks! In collaboration with the Basilica Sanctuary of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae, the cultural association Lampus will set up an audience area and a stage with a grand piano at the Leuca Lighthouse, where two virtuoso internationally renowned pianists will alternate, offering a repertoire ranging from traditional and contemporary Jazz, to original compositions, blues and boogie woogie, to gospel. The protagonists are Luca Filastro, Italian pianist, composer, arranger, and Mr. B. (Mark Braun), American pianist, composer, and singer.

"Piano da impazzire" (Crazy Piano) is the original title that Lampus chose for a concert that is definitely out of the ordinary. While on one hand the title nods to the praise of slowness, on the other hand it highlights the ability of two extraordinary musicians to sublimate the typical sounds of Swing, Jazz, Blues, and Music with a capital M! The concert program will see the two pianists alternate at the piano, offering original compositions, standard pieces, and plenty of impetuous improvisation.

In a style that is difficult to categorize, Luca will range freely among the great Jazz standards, inspired by his numerous influences: from classical music to be-bop, to contemporary Jazz. Mark will offer, on piano and vocals, in addition to his beautiful ballads, blues and boogie woogie pieces without neglecting some nods to gospel. Luca Filastro is a pianist and arranger. His approach to the piano and music, which began at the age of five, is light and playful, and his talent has allowed him to quickly embrace jazz music with natural ease. His growing passion for the piano and interest in music in all its artistic forms led him, at the age of thirteen, to meet Maestro Paolo Pollice, who would eventually guide him to obtaining a classical piano diploma at the conservatory.

His natural predisposition for jazz music and improvisation led him to further perfect himself. In this perspective, his move to the capital, a city where he became well-known to all major professionals in this music scene, is situated. His extensive concert activity worldwide sees him engaged in solo piano performances, with his trio and quartet; but also in larger formations like the "Luca Filastro Orchestra" of which he is the arranger and director. He has made several appearances in the United States, the homeland of jazz, where he is highly respected by many of the best musicians on the music scene.

Blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun has become interpreter and custodian of a dying art form learned from his first teachers, blues and boogie legends like Little Brother Montgomery, Boogie Woogie Red, and Blind John Davis. Mr. B has performed coast to coast and everywhere in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America. In 2002, he was a guest artist at the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and is the organizer of the annual Mr. B's Blues and Boogie Piano Celebration which attracts great figures of blues and the jazz piano world to Ann Arbor.

Mark Lincoln Braun was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, and gravitated to Ann Arbor in the 1970s, where the Blind Pig was an important venue for boogie and blues piano. It was there that he absorbed the tradition, developing his ear by listening to a variety of jazz pianists, especially those with strong blues roots like Ray Bryant and Horace Silver. This wide range of interests allows him to feel equally comfortable playing classic boogie woogie with authentic fervor and expanding the tradition in new and lively settings, including jazz orchestra. Today, he further promotes his art and breaks down stylistic barriers by collaborating frequently with world-renowned mainstream jazz pianists like Monty Alexander, Henry Butler, Benny Green, Ray Bryant, Sir Charles Thompson, and Junior Mance. There are not many pianists today dedicated to boogie and blues piano. Fortunately, Mr. B's passion for presenting and extending the tradition makes him a prominent figure in this essential form of American music.

As noted by Jazz News International, "the future of blues piano is in good hands with Mr. B."

For information via WhatsApp call 347 5169946

Reserved entrance for Lampus members

Tickets available at Caffè De Finibus Terrae at the Sanctuary of Leuca or online at [link]
Web: www.facebook.com/lampus.it