Photos provided by Manuel Bellone
Umberto Porcaro, born in 1979, has been playing guitar for the last 30 years. His passion for Blues music started in his early age, and it has brought him to play along with the greatest, international blues men. After his first experiences with local bands, Umberto visits Chicago for the first time, where he gets to perform with Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues, Fernando Jones, Eomot Rasun, Johnny Dollar. He publishes his first record “You Belong To Me”, followed by “Burn The Day Away”, receiving a great appreciation from national and international press.
He later wins the auditions for “Obiettivo Blues In”, during the Pistoia Blues Festival, earning the chance to perform with amazing artists such BB KING, BUDDY GUY, ROBBEN FORD, ROY ROGERS, CANNET HEAT, THE BLUES BAND and to be included in the compilation of the Pistoia Blues Festival album. Umberto moves to the States, between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Here is where he gets to exhibit in the most famous Blues clubs of America, such as Café Boogaloo in Hermosa Beach (Los Angeles), The Saloon (San Francisco), Mojo Lounge (Freemont), and the “Biscuit and Blues” also in San Francisco. While in California, Umberto meets other great Blues artists such as Kim Wilson, Kid Ramos, Junior Watson, Murk, Hollywood Blues Flames.
The International Blues Challenge (IBC) represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.
INTERVIEW WITH UMBERTO PORCARO AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Manuel: Hello Umberto, good to have you here.
You’ve recently been in the US States, where have you been exactly and where have performed?
Umberto: Hi Manuel. We were in Memphis, Tennessee, where we participated in the International Blues Challenge representing Italy. It was crazy!
Manuel: Wow, it sounds great. Speaking about that, do you feel more confident playing blues music in Europe or in United States?
Umberto: When I am in the States, I feel I am in the right place, I really feel I can express myself freely. I grew up with American music, and with all its culture. Every corner, city, highway or stage is a great inspiration to me. I must say that, although in Northern Europe there is a lot of buzz, bands are also loved there, unfortunately all this in Italy I can say is very low. There is little interest from booking agencies, promoters, and you are often seen as a nuisance, very nerve-wracking.
Manuel: Which city have you enjoyed the most?
Umberto: Memphis-oh my god it was a blast. As I told you I grew up with American music, blues, gospel, soul, roots music, I fed on that. Memphis couldn't help but make me fall in love, every corner around there is history.
I was very impressed with the civil rights museum, visiting the Stax records studios and Sun records. wow.
Manuel: Tell me about your favorite performance on tour.
Umberto: We performed three times.
The first time was at the showcase presentation at the 152 Club, and it was pure energy.
I remember after the concert so many people came up to us and said: “Where did you guys come from?” While the two real jigs in competition we played them at BB Kings on Beale Street...simply amazing. Just think that one of the judges' opinions was this: "Leave it to a band from another country to "feel" these American blues more than most blues players in the States."
Manuel: That’s awesome. What’s next for you?
Umberto: I am working on several things. The new record.
I have several tours already planned one of them a nice European tour with my brother Brian Templeton.
Manuel: Umberto, it’s been a pleasure to chat with you, keep up the good work.
Umberto: The pleasure it was mine Manuel. Keep on blues.
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