Sam Paglia And The B-Movie Heroes
In November 2000, I had the great fortune to catch a set performed by Sam Paglia And The B-Movie Heroes and simply put, they blew me away.
All three members, Sam on Hammond, Christian Canducci on drums, and Alex Scala on saxophone played the tightest, jazziest, funkiest, lounging-est, bossa nova-est set I've ever heard. Here in this interview Sam eloquently expresses his love for the music; he speaks personally, passionately and honestly. If you have the opportunity to hear them in action, be prepared for A-List sounds.
Nancy: How would you describe your group's sound to someone who has never seen you perform?
Sam: O.K let me try, I would describe the Sam Paglia group as my biggest dream come true: a synthesis of all the music I love. The classic Hammond-jazz combo of the sixties formed by organ, drums and sax influences the group's sound. All mixed with 40% soul, 20% bossa nova, 10% psychedelic, 30% soundtracks and a bit of exotica flavour. I tried to visualise a musical era that goes from 1965-75. A groovy decade described through the versatile sound of Hammond organ. In a few words, a delightful, dynamic, soul-jazzy, Italian, cinematographic, bossa experience!
Where are you & the other two band-members from?
We come from the Emilia-Romagna Riviera coast, a soulful place situated in the North-east of Italy. It is also called the capital of the Italian Lounge phenomenon. There are a lot of good musicians here, probably because traditionally there have always been nightclubs where people performed live.
Have your origins affected the style of your sound?
I grew up surrounded by records because my dad was a collector of country, western, folk and blues. I started playing piano at 8 yrs old and tried to emulate Woody Guthrie and later the great James P. Johnson. I also remember some 7" Italian soundtracks played with a mini-moog, that I literally consumed on my turntable. Having a piano at that age probably helped me a lot.
Who are your biggest musical influences (past and present)?
My first great musical influence was the soul music of Stax. Amongst them all there were Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MG's, Carla Thomas, The Soul Children, The Bar Kays, Sam and Dave and the great Isaac Hayes. The tune that started it all was Booker T's, "Hip Hug Her". Since I heard that crispy and warm sound of a mysterious organ, something inside me changed forever. I was 17, my friends around me were listening to Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince. I felt as rare as a Panda Bear because no one was interested in my kind of music. The only desire was to find an ultra rare Hammond organ to play Hip Hug Her for the rest of my life. The same year I also bought my first Jimmy Smith album, "The Sermon". In 1989 James Taylor Quartet came to town and that was the first time I saw the Hammond being played live. I felt bad because I wanted to be him, sitting up there on the stage. I wanted to leave school immediately, sell all my books and personal belongings in order to possess that huge instrument. I was like Pinocchio when he met the Stomboli Circus! I only got my first Hammond in 1994, while I was working as a cartoon animator in London. I will never forget that day. My biggest influences are: Jimmy McGriff, Lalo Schifrin, Donny Hathaway, some obscure organ players like Trudy Pitts and Clifford Coulter, Dick Hyman, Hugo Montenegro, Roy Budd, Piero Piccioni and MMW: one of today's best jazz trios. I also dig Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Billy Preston, Piero Umiliani, Les McCann, Duke Pearson, Joao Donato, Zimbo Trio, Bobby Timmons, Stevie Wonder and Thelonious Monk.
Do you collect records, if so, in what areas are you most interested?
I collect records mostly because I like the art of the covers. CD's seem to be all alike, while vinyl has the charm of weight and fragility. I collect Blue Note, Prestige, Verve, Stax, Blaxploitation soundtracks, Moog and Exotica, and anything that moves me inside. I have spent a lot of money in the last few years on records, but I'm proud of them because today it's a lot harder to find rarities.
What are the last 5 records/CDs you have played on your home sound system?
I have played Trudy Pitts Live, Dick Hyman's Man from O.R.G.A.N, Lalo Schifrin's Bullet, MMW's Tonic and Roy Budd's Stone Killer.
How did you get your group's name? Are you a big fan of B-movies?
The name Sam Paglia and the B-movie Heroes comes from my first album of the same name published by Irma Records in 1998. The album is a tribute to the universe of the bad movies of the 70s. I like these cop movies filled with car chases, rough language and funky tunes. One of my favourites is Cotton Comes to Harlem, while They Call Me Mr. Tibbs, starring Sidney Poitier has one of the greatest soundtracks ever, composed by Quincy Jones. Billy Preston also plays a terrific Hammond in it.
Please tell us about your album cover drawings and your work in illustration.
I chose to do my own cover album because I feel that my drawings and my music are linked by the same sense of structure and harmony.
Which cartoons are your favorites?
My favourite cartoons are Mr. Magoo, The Pink Panther, Tex Avery's Droopy, John Kricfalusi's Ren & Stimpy and The Simpsons.
What was your experience at the Montreaux Jazz Festival like?
We enjoyed the experience a lot even though I drove all the way from Italy with my Hammond in the van, just to discover that there were already seven Hammonds sitting in the basement!! I could have taken the train and relaxed all the way there.
What opinions do you have on groups such as Sugarman Three, James Taylor Quartet, etc.?
I don't have an opinion.
What would you think about performing at one of Italy's many 60s mod rallies?
That would be fine, but don't ask me to play any Northern Soul music!
What kinds of audiences do you attract in Italy?
Some are Lounge lovers, mods, soul-followers, some are curious and others are just attracted by the lively sound.
Is it frustrating to perform with such a high level of musicianship and style that might go unappreciated at a place like that "American Bar" where I saw you perform?
A gig is like a box of chocolates you never know what's inside. We try to play the best we can even without audience participation but playing for a mad crowd is pure joy.
What are your goals for the group's future, professionally and musically?
I would love to play in the USA and travel from coast-coast with a 1957 Chevy pick-up just me and my instrument. I wish I could compose a soundtrack for a Cohen brother's film. I find them very inspiring.
What happens at the International Hammond Convention in Italy?
I don't follow this kind of convention full of rich dentists in love with the Hammond sound of Procol Harum or worse for the aggressive riffs of John Lord. I'm not going to share my love for the Hammond with these people!
Are you any relation to Camile Paglia?
No, you see my real surname is Pagliarani and I shortened it for the group to Paglia. My name is shortened too, from Samuele to Sam.
[Published 2 February 2001]
| Comments: | |
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| gordon w. | feb 12 2003 11:51AM |
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| This bloke's music sounds GREAT - it's definately top of my list, next time I go record-shopping! BTW - does he play bass on the pedals? | |
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