“Gato Barbieri: The Italian Years That Shaped a Legend”
First Biography in English Celebrate the Varied Career of Gato Barbieri
A Journey Through Jazz, Pop, and Cinema

Artdigiland announced the launch in English of the book “Gato Barbieri: The Italian Years That Shaped a Legend”. The book offers a definitive account of the iconic Argentinian saxophonist’s rich and varied career, analysing his transformative time in Italy, and how this influenced his rich and varied career. Written by renowned musician and researcher Andrea Polinelli, this meticulously researched biography sheds light on a pivotal period in Barbieri’s life, during which he forged a unique artistic identity that would later make him a global symbol of Latin America’s voice in jazz and cinema.

Andrea Polinelli, himself a saxophonist and jazz historian, spent over five years tracing Barbieri’s journey, travelling between Rome, Buenos Aires, New York, and Paris to uncover untold stories and invaluable insights. The result is a powerful narrative that not only celebrates Barbieri’s extraordinary talent but also highlights his influence on the international jazz scene and his collaborations with legendary composers and filmmakers.

“Gato’s years in Italy were a crucible for his creativity,” says Polinelli. “During this time, he connected deeply with Italian jazz and cinema, collaborating with masters like Ennio Morricone, Piero Umiliani, and Luis Bacalov, while contributing to films by directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Between his years in Argentina and his move to the USA, Italy gave him a foundation that shaped his artistry, preparing him for the global stage.”

The biography paints a vivid picture of Barbieri’s collaborations and his role in defining the soundtracks of an era. Notable among these is his Grammy-winning work on Last Tango in Paris, where his saxophone became synonymous with the film’s haunting sensuality. Beyond cinema, the book explores his contributions to jazz through partnerships with figures like Don Cherry and Enrico Rava, as well as his international impact through recordings and tours alongside icons like Carlos Santana and Pino Daniele.

Critics and musicians alike have lauded the book:

“A beautiful book, an absolute must buy.”
– Enzo Capua, Journalist and Umbria Jazz New York representative

“A vast and meticulous work that truly captures the essence of Gato Barbieri.”
– Franco D’Andrea, leading Italian pianist

The biography also features exclusive content, including musical analyses of Barbieri’s significant recordings in Argentina and Italy, as well as 15 previously unpublished tenor saxophone solos. Contributions from prominent musicologists, journalists, and Barbieri’s contemporaries add further depth to this extraordinary story, including a detailed chapter focused on the great saxophonist’s technical set up which was the foundation of his unique sound.

The Italian-language version of the book debuted at one Europe’s most important musical events the Umbria Jazz Festival in 2023 to critical acclaim. Accompanied by tribute concerts featuring the Gato Reloaded Jazz Quartet, led by Polinelli, the launch underscored the enduring legacy of Barbieri’s music.

“Gato Barbieri: The Italian Years That Shaped a Legend” is more than a biography — it is a love letter to the music, culture, and collaborations that defined an era. As Polinelli says, “This book is a celebration of not just Gato’s genius, but also the vibrant artistic world that inspired him. It’s a story of passion, resilience, and the universal language of music.”

Available now, this essential volume is a must-read for jazz enthusiasts, cinema lovers, and anyone intrigued by the rich cultural tapestry of Barbieri’s life.

from https://latinjazznet.com