Franco Fontanarrosa: The Maestro of Musical Multitasking
Ah, Franco Fontanarrosa! If music were a messy kitchen, he’d be that delightful chef who has a thousand things simmering on the stove while flambéing his latest hit—it’s chaos, but oh, what a glorious chaos it is! You know, follow that man, and you’ll see eight thousand projects taking flight, and he’s happier than a kid in a candy store. “I’m dealing with eight thousand things, but I’m happy!” he declares, with the sort of enthusiasm that makes you question how you ever found joy while merely binge-watching TV.
The Bearded Band: That’s Right, It’s Hip to Be Square!
This Saturday at 9 p.m., you’ll want to get yourself over to the Petit Salón de Plataforma Lavardén, where the quartet La Mujer Barbuda (that’s “The Bearded Woman” for you non-Spanish speakers) promises a night to remember. Franco Fontanarrosa, the bassist and composer who juggles more musical balls than a circus performer on a unicycle, is teaming up with Nicolás “Mu” Sánchez (guitar), Martín Pantyrer (baritone sax and clarinet bass), and Lulo Isod (drums). What could possibly go wrong? Spoiler: probably nothing!
Locoto & Other Culinary Inspirations
You think that juggling eight projects is impressive? Last week, Franco launched a group called Locoto—which sounds spicy—and promises a folk-oriented vibe that’s a delightful detour from his usual fare. “I’m with Facundo Guevara, a percussion hero, and Alejandro Franov on piano,” he explains. But let’s be real—if they add a triangle player, we might just have a full-on festival right there!
The Challenge of Nostalgia
When asked about challenges in La Mujer Barbuda, Franco muses that it’s not really the challenge that matters, but the love for the group and its music. “All the members are my brothers in life,” he says. This just in: when you combine brotherhood and a plethora of songs, nostalgia becomes a main ingredient. He plans to resurrect some old tunes, much like your favourite sitcom reruns—ah, the good ol’ days.
Friendship: The Secret Ingredient in Jazz
Now, let’s talk about camaraderie! “I am a very friendly musician,” Franco insists. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to throw a jam session with buddies where the laughter echoes louder than the music—especially in jazz, where improvisation takes center stage? “You can hear it,” he says. When a band is genuinely having a good time, it resonates. It’s like that dinner party where the food may be cold but the jokes are piping hot!
Art beyond Sound: Cinema and Inspiration
And let’s not ignore the cinematic flair! David Lynch, William Burroughs, and Jackson Pollock are among the influences he mentions—yes, you heard that right! The tunes of The Bearded Woman are not just melodies; they’re adventures in a world where every note paints a new picture! Sounds like a solid theme for the next big Hollywood blockbuster, doesn’t it? Instrumental music allows for freedom—everyone can paint their own whimsical scenes while they listen!
In Conclusion: A Symphony of Life and Art
In wrapping this up, Franco Fontanarrosa isn’t just a musician. He’s a mad scientist of sound, a culinary genius of rhythm, pouring his heart into every project while stirring nostalgia into the mix. So, whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or just someone in it for the vibes, head over to the Petit Salón, grab a drink (perhaps a Locoto jalapeño martini?), and indulge yourself in what Franco and his crew have cooking. It’s bound to be a night of laughter, music, and perhaps a lot more than that!
The concert promises to be a delightful celebration of friendship, laughter, and creativity that will echo long after the last note fades. And if you leave without a smile, well, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your life choices!
Franco Fontanarrosa’s music is always expanding, with much and at the same time; He confirms it whenever he starts a dialogue: “I’m dealing with eight thousand things, but I’m happy!” he says. The number of projects in progress does not erode happiness, it is a necessary condition. In this sense, it can be said that Franco Fontanarrosa’s music is happy. And that, the musician will say, is something that can be heard from the stage. This Saturday at 9 p.m., the Petit Salón de Plataforma Lavardén (Mendoza 1085) welcomes La Mujer Barbuda, the quartet that Fontanarrosa (bass and composition) integrates with Nicolás “Mu” Sánchez (guitar), Martín Pantyrer (baritone sax and clarinet bass) and Lulo Isod (drums).
“Last week we premiered a group, Locoto, together with Facundo Guevara, a percussion hero, and Alejandro Franov on piano. It is an instrumental group, with a certain folk orientation, something quite new for the music I usually make. I’m with Nico Sorín in Piazzolla Electrónico, and also in Impresionante, another group that I have with Nico, with whom we recently went to play at Pasaje Pan. And also with other nearby things, which are doing the rounds,” Franco Fontanarrosa comments to Rosario/12.
-Always moving in a wide and diverse world.
-Yes, and I am happy with Locoto, because it is a new formation, with piano and percussion instead of drums. Always trying, as they say, to get out of the comfort zone, to do something new, that adds some challenge.
-In that sense, what are the challenges that exist in The Bearded Woman?
-In the first instance, I don’t know if they would be challenges, but there is something main, and that is that to this day I still really like the group and the music we make; and all the members are my brothers in life, they are people that I love very much and with whom I hope to be able to play until the day I die. That is the main reason why the group will always continue. It is a group that has a lot of intermittency in its activity, we are not making new music, but it is a group that already has three albums released and an EP, with a fairly large repertoire of songs. A while ago I realized that we haven’t played some old songs in a long time; Now, precisely, my plan at concerts is to start resurrecting them. It’s nice, suddenly, to be playing some songs that I wrote when I was in my early 20s. Perhaps the challenge has to do with how we do them today, how we are going to interpret them; That is, taking old songs, reversing them and doing something new.
-Just like when friends remember anecdotes and tell old stories.
-I am a very friendly musician, I like to play with friends, and if I put together a project quickly I like to make friends with people. Also because I am of the idea that that is heard. For me, you hear it when a band is a band of session players who are working, and when it is a band of friendly people who are laughing their asses off. Especially in jazz or music that has improvisation, where there is camaraderie, complicity and trust in each other, to be able to play from that same place.
-In the influences of The Bearded Woman there are not only musical references; You mention, among others, David Lynch, William Burroughs and Jackson Pollock.
-That is even involuntarily, it has always happened to me that when people listen to my music they say that it is very cinematic, that it brings many images; I understand that that has a little to do with it being instrumental. Sung music somehow brings you down to a slightly more concrete place, while with instrumental music everyone can flash whatever they want. I’ve always felt that way. I understand that it must also have to do, in part, with my old man, having had a lot of graphic influence since I was a child; There is something of all that that evidently leaks out when I play.
Interview with Franco Fontanarrosa: The Maestro of Musical Multitasking
Editor: Franco, thank you for joining us today! Your passion for music shines through in everything you do. It seems like you have a multitude of projects going on at once. How do you manage to juggle them all without feeling overwhelmed?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Thank you for having me! You know, I like to think of it as a beautiful chaos. I’m dealing with eight thousand things, but I’m happy! Each project brings its own energy and creativity, and that keeps me excited. It’s not overwhelming—it’s invigorating!
Editor: Speaking of projects, you have a performance coming up this Saturday with your quartet, La Mujer Barbuda. What can the audience expect from this show?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Ah, La Mujer Barbuda! We’re all about friendship and music that resonates with joy. Expect a night filled with laughter and camaraderie. We’ll be playing some of our favorites, along with some nostalgic tunes that might just take you back to the good ol’ days. With Nicolás “Mu” Sánchez, Martín Pantyrer, and Lulo Isod, it’s bound to be a memorable evening.
Editor: You mentioned nostalgia as an important element in your music. How does that influence your creative process?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Nostalgia is like a secret ingredient in our music. It helps in crafting melodies that tug at the heartstrings. When we perform, it’s about more than just the notes; it’s about the memories and the connections we’ve built. The love we share as a band also translates into the performance, and the audience can truly feel that.
Editor: That sounds magical! You recently launched a new group, Locoto, with a different musical focus. How does that vary from La Mujer Barbuda?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Locoto has a folk-oriented vibe that’s quite fresh for me! Working with Facundo Guevara and Alejandro Franov, we are trying something new by combining piano and percussion instead of the traditional drum setup. It’s all about stepping out of my comfort zone, experimenting, and evolving as a musician.
Editor: Your love for collaboration truly shines through! And speaking of influences, you mentioned being inspired by figures like David Lynch and Jackson Pollock. How do they shape your music?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Ah, they inspire me to think beyond the boundaries of music. Just like film and visual art, music can evoke emotions and tell stories. I want listeners to feel like they’re embarking on an adventure with every tune. When I create, I aim for a canvas of sound where each note paints a vivid picture.
Editor: It seems like your projects are laden with creativity and joy! What would you say to someone who’s hesitant to explore jazz or instrumental music?
Franco Fontanarrosa: I would say, come join us! Jazz is all about improvisation and expression. It’s a space where laughter and connection blossom, even if the notes sometimes go astray. Music isn’t just about precision; it’s about the joy of creating together. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or just curious, I promise an experience that’s heartfelt and uplifting.
Editor: Thank you, Franco! It’s clear that your heart and soul go into everything you do, and we can’t wait to see what this Saturday has in store. Any last words for your fans?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Just come with an open mind and a smile! Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together. I can’t wait to share the magic of music with all of you!
Editor: We’re looking forward to it! Thank you so much for your time, Franco.
Y shines through! You mentioned that you’re inspired by various artistic influences beyond music. How do those influences shape your work?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Oh, absolutely! I find that the world of cinema and visual arts deeply inspires my music. When people say my compositions are cinematic, I welcome that. I draw bits of inspiration from creative minds like David Lynch and Jackson Pollock. There’s something magical about creating music that allows listeners to paint their own images in their minds. It’s about creating a space where everyone can connect through their own interpretations.
Editor: That’s a beautiful perspective! As an artist who thrives on camaraderie, how important are relationships in your musical journey?
Franco Fontanarrosa: Very important! I believe that the best music comes from genuine friendships. When a band gets together, it’s all about shared laughter and trust. That chemistry translates into the sound—people can hear when musicians are enjoying each other’s company. It’s like a dinner party; even if the food isn’t great, the joy of being together makes everything better!
Editor: So true! for those attending your concert this Saturday, what message do you hope to leave them with?
Franco Fontanarrosa: My hope is that everyone leaves with a smile. Music is meant to bring joy and connection. If we can create moments of laughter, nostalgia, and a sense of community, then we’ve done our job. Let’s celebrate life together through music—it’s a ride worth taking!
Editor: Thank you, Franco! We’re looking forward to an unforgettable evening at the Petit Salón with La Mujer Barbuda.
Franco Fontanarrosa: Thank you! I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
