IVAN LINS , GIOVANNI CECCARELLI , STEPHANE CASALTA

In 2017, Stéphane Casalta, Ivan Lins, and Giovanni Ceccarelli — met in a studio in Lisbon to create, experiment, and share their musical experiences. The synergy between these artists, each deeply rooted in their own cultural backgrounds, led to a unique exchange of ideas, blending musical traditions from different parts of the world. Their collaboration was not merely a mix of sounds; it embodied the power of cultural exchange, a central theme in Stéphane Casalta's musical approach.

Stéphane Casalta: a voice of corsican tradition and modern exploration
Stéphane Casalta is a prominent figure in the world of corsican music, celebrated for his innovative approach to preserving and reinventing the island's traditional polyphonic singing. Born and raised in corsica, Casalta has always been deeply connected to his island's musical heritage, particularly the polyphonic songs that form an essential part of corsican identity. However, his career has been anything but traditional. Stéphane has continuously sought to bridge the gap between corsican music and contemporary genres, blending ancient sounds with modern influences. He is a passionate advocate of cultural exchange, having collaborated with artists from different countries and musical universes to offer a fresh perspective on corsican music.

Casalta’s approach is rooted in the belief that music has the power to transcend borders and that exchanging ideas between different cultures enriches the creative process. His collaboration with Ivan Lins and Giovanni Ceccarelli in Lisbon is a perfect example of this. The corsican language, with its deep emotional resonance and unique sound, was placed in dialogue with portuguese musical influences, creating a space where the traditional and the contemporary could coexist.

Ivan Lins: a musical explorer from brazil
Ivan Lins, a brazilian singer and composer, is known for his soulful voice and ability to blend various musical genres, from traditional brazilian sounds to jazz, pop, and world music. Born in rio de janeiro, Ivan grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of brazil, particularly the rhythms and melodies of bossa nova, samba, and MPB (música popular brasileira). His career spans several decades, during which he has worked with some of the most influential musicians from brazil and around the world. Ivan is also a renowned composer, with several of his songs becoming classics of brazilian music.

Ivan’s musical approach is fluid and open, constantly seeking new ways to mix genres and experiment with sound. His collaboration with Stéphane Casalta was a natural progression, as both artists share a deep respect for their cultural roots and a desire to experiment with new musical horizons. In the Lisbon studio, Ivan brought his expertise in jazz and brazilian music, offering a melodious and fluid contrast to Casalta’s powerful and emotional style.

Giovanni Ceccarelli: an italian pianist with a universal sound
Giovanni Ceccarelli, an accomplished italian pianist, is known for his virtuosity and eclectic style that blends classical music, jazz, and contemporary music. His musical journey has taken him around the world, performing with a wide range of artists and incorporating various musical traditions into his playing. Giovanni is particularly recognized for his ability to combine classical piano technique with jazz improvisation, creating a sound that is both technically impressive and deeply emotional.

In Lisbon, Giovanni’s piano became the bridge between Ivan Lins’ brazilian rhythms and Stéphane Casalta’s corsican vocal traditions. His mastery of both jazz and classical music allowed him to perfectly adapt to the evolving soundscape, providing rich harmonic textures and subtle improvisations that elevated the performance to a new level. Giovanni’s deep understanding of music theory and his intuitive approach to melody and rhythm played a key role in uniting the diverse influences present during this session.

the studio session in Lisbon: a meeting of cultural exchange
The studio session in Lisbon was a powerful example of how music can serve as a universal language, transcending geographical and cultural borders. The city, with its rich history of cultural blending, provided the perfect backdrop for such a creative endeavor. The three artists came together not only to test new songs but also to exchange ideas, discuss sounds, and experiment with new musical forms. Each of them brought a unique musical universe, but the meeting allowed them to unite in a collaborative creative process.

As they exchanged musical ideas, each artist brought something unique. Stéphane Casalta’s deep understanding of corsican polyphonic singing, Ivan Lins’ ability to infuse brazilian melodies with jazz touches, and Giovanni Ceccarelli’s pianistic virtuosity created a rich and dynamic musical environment.

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