Northern Italy Has Got It Working Big Time Funk, Blues, & Soul Meet The Black City Band Turin Italy has a lot going for it in more ways than one and when it comes to music this city is positively on fire. One of the top groups laying it down there and all across northern Italy and France is a kick ass funk band named The Black City. The band’s early sound, heavily influenced by the highly creative and expressive American rock artist and record producer Frank Zappa, would go on to develop their own cool funk sound and move forward to be one of the most requested stage bands going in northern Italy. Three of the band members have been together almost since the very beginning and you would swear they are brothers, but they are not. Yet they are extremely musically related, as what they produce is rich in coordination with one another. Bassist Simone Bellavia a quiet gentle soul who thumps like there is no tomorrow. The man behind the drums is Caldero whose timing and choice of beats is perfect for the highly spirited funky sound of The Black City. The man delivering flawless lead guitar work is the wellknown Turin guitarist and vocalist Martin Craig. Next up, the band is scheduled to record their new EP this month in October, which is scheduled for release in February on the independent label Blumama Records. Then in April of 2021, the band goes on tour beginning in the Czech Republic. In addition, the band will be performing every Thursday night in October at the Pausa Caffe with their show being billed as “The Blue Funk Nights with The Black City”. If you are visiting northern Italy, this is the show to take in while you are there. For those of you that know the nightlife in Turin keep an eye on the music line up at Pub 82 Birra Ceca. It’s returning soon and
you are sure to see the band scheduled for a future date. Touring bands are always welcome and if you are traveling without your band there is a good chance a top notch back up band can be assembled. Turin’s got it working and if you are looking for a place to go for over the top entertainment and a great evening out, if The Black City Band is on stage, you have arrived. Check them out - www.theblackcityband.com October 2020 • Rock and Blues International
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