Alborosie

Salento-Kingston connection: Shengen Clan Band’s Toni Tarantino brings Italian fire backing Alborosie

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment
Shengen Clan Band's Toni Tarantino
The Shengen Clan Band’s keyboardist Toni Tarantino

Located on the heel of Italy’s boot, the Salento Peninsula in southern Puglia is world-class for its pure olive oil, exquisite wine, and crystal clear blue waters off the beautiful coastline. Considered the Jamaica of Italy for its sandy beaches and reggae vibes, Salento is fast becoming known for its share of renowned hometown musicians including–Anthony “Toni” Tarantino–keyboardist, beatboxer and trumpet player for reggae ambassador Alborosie’s Kingston-based Shengen Clan Band.

 

Shengen Clan's Toni Tarantino
Shengen Clan’s Toni Tarantino (front and center) live

Having studied and performed classical music and jazz in Europe prior to joining Shengen Clan in 2009, Tarantino was greatly influenced by Cinematic Orchestra, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Michel Petrucciani. Fluent in Italian, French, English and Jamaican patois, Toni now travels the reggae world as an accomplished international arranger, producer and musician.

The multi-talented Toni Tarantino
The multi-talented Toni Tarantino

Receiving his first keyboard when he was three years old from his father, who would later in life sing and accompany his talented son at piano bars and special events, the 33-year-old Italian maestro expressed interest early beginning at age five that he aspired to join a top-notch music conservatory. Although it took fourteen years before his dreams were realized in 2001 when he enrolled at Prince Clause Conservatorium in Groningen, Holland to study jazz and piano, Toni began listening to Italian mainstream music such as Modugno, Claudio Villa, and Minabegan before playing regularly in the public eye when he was twelve at his local church. Having played the trumpet concurrently for three years while a member of Tito Schipa, a respected conservatorium for musicians in the Lecce area, in addition to being a skilled keyboardist, Toni decided to focus entirely in playing and studying classical piano. During his early teens, Tarantino drew significant influence from the likes of Bach, Chopin, Albeniz, Debussy, Post Romantic, and Jazz music.

Alborosie enlisted the the services of fellow Italian Toni Tarantino to join the Shengen Clan Band
Alborosie enlisted the services of fellow Italian Toni Tarantino to join Shengen Clan.
Toni Tarantino's Mad Boxes project
Toni Tarantino’s Italian side project: Mad Boxes

Tarantino’s parents rented a piano so that their son Toni could practice at least eight hours a day in order to receive his piano diploma during the course of six years of study instead of the usual decade of dedication. Sandro P, a friend who served as Monteroni di Lecce’s “Fa la cosa giusta” music association president, encouraged Toni to come along on a well-deserved Jamaican vacation during which time Alborosie invited him to join the Shengen Clan Band. He has since been involved in every Alborosie studio production and tour since 2009. Toni has also produced DJ Gruff, Boom Boom Vibration and Rubens as well as his latest project–Mad Boxes–to critical acclaim.

Rocky Road The loyal and strong California reggae massive were delighted to see headliners Alborosie and the Shengen Clan Band (featuring Toni Tarantino) recently at Reggae On The Mountain in Topanga. Prior to heading up to Humboldt County for Reggae On The River, Alborosie and Shengen Clan make a rare Orange County club appearance on Saturday, August 1st at the Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., in Santa Ana. For more information, phone (714) 957-0600 or visit www.observatoryoc.com While you are there, pick up a copy of Alborosie’s latest “Dub of Thrones” release featuring legendary Jamaican producer King Jammy. Last but not least, make sure to watch and ‘like’ Puppa Albo’s new “Rocky Road” video by clicking HERE. Grazie!

“Tal padre, tal figlio” (Like father, like son) but mother is always the heartbeat of the Italian Reggae Family

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

I-love-my-italian-family Italian proverbs are an integral part of our culture, traditions and history. Proverbs teach us all valuable lessons and values as we learn the many aspects that make up our cultural identity. Family is a prominent theme in Italian proverbs. In honor of Father’s Day, we showcase: “Tal padre, tal figlio“, which expresses the significance of family since it is of utmost importance in Italian culture. We love strong family ties, and we honor all family obligations. The family is the anchor of the Italian social structure as we help one another unconditionally.

34beeb1f471918f0439ece0398a938acFamily values are still the fabric of Italian society, and the Italian family has remained a tightly-knit social unit. Whether married, single or divorced, all Italians maintain very strong links with their parents, adult children, and other family relatives. It is not uncommon to find three generations sharing housing arrangements where grandchildren live with their grandparents. Even if they do not share a home, extended families may eat lunch or dinner together every day. Elderly parents are respected and looked after, sometimes on a daily basis, whether they live at home with their children or live independently.italian_proverb_1 The mother remains the dominant figure in the Italian home as she usually controls every aspect of domestic life. Some may believe Italian mothers go above and beyond to please every member of the family, especially if she is a working mother. However, it is the mother who keeps the family together while creating and maintaining the familial links. She is the vital bond that unites all family members, who in turn can be relied upon when mother needs help most. The important role of loving Italian mother, homemaker and educator is worthy of respect and praise. rasta-reggae-music-hits-1-l-280x280 There are many parallels between the philosophies of the Italian family and reggae music, both of which promote the teaching of peace, love and unity to all. Before we begin any activity in life, iconic rock star Carlos Santana believes that we must always ask: “How is this going to make the world a better place?” Those fortunate enough to have been blessed with an Italian upbringing have the opportunity to continue with the cultural and family traditions passed on from past generations. It is our duty as parents and grandparents to instill the morals, ethics and values taught to us by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to live up to the reggae message of Italian-born Alborosie.