“…the magic adventure of the Torrita Blues Festival began as a bit of fun, almost a wager between fans of the “devil’s music”.
In 1988, the Treves Blues Band had the good fortune to land on Sienese soil – a place of great cultural and gastronomic traditions that had not yet discovered the most beautiful music in the world. The concert moved something deep in the soul of the warm and enthusiastic public. Once the initial reserve was overcome they began contacting Italian musicians who were traveling far and wide through our beautiful country. We’re talking about Tolo Marton, Guido Toffoletti and Roberto Ciotti…”
These are the words of Fabio Treves from the book “Torrita Blues…the first ten years”, recording the steps of a singular voyage that is the history of the Festival.
For real blues lovers, the Torrita Blues Festival is an important rendezvous and, like an old, slow blues riff, you know when it starts but, because of the passion, or the rapport or the virtuosity of the musician, you never know when it will end.
The ‘Friends of the Blues Cultural Association’ could not have foreseen how successful the Festival would be right from the start. They went into it with more haste than prudence, perhaps even getting ahead of themselves at times. But their eagerness to spread the culture and music of the blues along with the recognition that they were doing something important for the local scene amounted to an irresistible challenge.
The Festival takes place every year in June in the charming, historical center of Torrita. It has become a regular gathering – a date not to be missed for blues fans.
Over the years a number of important names, both Italian and international, have taken the stage. The sacred and the profane mix with the many-colored expressions that join the devil’s music with gospel, spirituals, and Dixieland jazz.
Various musical styles blend to make a beautiful sound that spreads from the heart of the village through the streets, creating a compelling atmosphere that just can’t be ignored.
|
