“West Newton Pops” Q&A With Andrea Dionisi
Q&A With Drummer Andrea Dionisi
In anticipation of Cherry Street Music’s next Classical with a Twist concert, “West Newton Pops” on November 17th, we posed a few questions to the artists in the program to get to know them a bit better. Here’s what accordionist Jakob Kobal had to say:
Q: Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A: …my mentors Neal Smith, Billy Kilson and Tiger Okoshi. They changed my perspective of music and life. They are the best musicians and teachers I have ever met. I was part of their ensembles during my studies at Berklee College of Music, and their human and musical sensitivity as well as their great professionalism had a huge impact on my journey.
Q: If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A: If my best friend was visiting Boston, I would start from the Common Park, which is my favorite place in the summer because I can feel connected with the nature. From there also starts the Freedom Trail which is an amazing path through significant and historical Boston locations such as the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House. Since I am originally from Italy I would suggest the Neapolitan pizzeria called MAST near the Common Park too. The Pizza is delicious. After a great dinner I would go to some jazz clubs such as Wally’s, The Beehive, The Lilypad, and Scullers, or I would go to some pubs in downtown or close to the Fenway Park.
Q: What keeps you busy professionally?
A: Music has always been an important part of my life. I started playing the drums at 8 years old. Since there I have always felt a great passion for playing with other people and sharing time and ideas with them. I had a long path, but I feel I am still at the beginning. After years of practicing and playing I understood how you will never stopped to learn and you will never feel ready enough. I like to look at music as a process in which every different situation you live becomes part of your art and style. Since I was young I had many different musical experiences such as different wind bands, pop rock, funk/fusion and jazz bands. A hard challenge for me is the practice routine. Sometimes can be difficult practicing drums every day alone in a small room for many hours. I like spending time with people, and not alone. Every time I practice my strategy is to think about improving to play with more and better people and I try to set myself big monthly goals and small daily goals, optimizing the process.
One of the features of my playing that I am most proud of is the ability to adapt my style and sound depending on the situation while maintaining my personality on the instrument. I love serving the music and making everyone comfortable to play with me.
Today I feel very lucky to work with my art in front of audiences at festivals and jazz clubs with wonderful people who share my same passion and desire to grow.
For more information about each artist and about upcoming Cherry Street Music concerts, go HERE.
To purchase tickets to “West Newton Pops”, go HERE.