Interviews: Mario Rossi Band

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blues Rock/Rock band, Mario Rossi Band from Brazil. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

MR: Well, I’d like to keep a band together but It’s not so easy for many reasons so I’ve been playing solo and with some musicians also called Mario Rossi around the world I just put the ‘Band’ to be different. Simple and sounds good.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

MR: I pick the guitar and I sound like this. Exactly like this! Thru the years I’ve been discovering more and more bands, albums and musicians that are a real inspiration to keep my genre. I listened to Alvin Lee for the first time on my 13, 14 years old. He’s a hero, an artist who makes all sense for an electric guitar proposal.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

MR: No. It was happening. The first two albums are other members, it was happening during recording sessions. All the connections were did by our producer Othon Ribeiro.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

I can cite Cream. Rafael loves Dream Theater, Marcelo is from the Jazz world so Miles Davis Quintet and Edê like Toto. I’m putting them to play the blues. It’s a very interesting chemistry.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

MR: Play guitar. I love to play, all my guitar heroes' riffs and improvise solos. Always something comes up. I keep a portable recorder around so I put many ideas during the song arrangements.

6. Where was your last gig?

MR: Before the Covid-19 scenario, as a blues cover band, no original songs. I’ve been writing, recording, and releasing all original songs during the pandemic years. Now we will play in a private event on June 2nd, it will be great to warm up the band to book more shows. I’m also going to NYC for a special jam with my good friend and amazing bassist Michael Muller. It will be in Stitch blues club.

7. Where would you like to act?

MR: Both. Studio and on the road.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

MR: Dreaming big Eric Clapton.

9. Whom not?

MR: Maybe the jazz fusion master Mike Stern. I mean, I’d need to learn a completely new language to play with an amazing musician like him.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

MR: Sure. It’s natural, mainly in the beginning. I think good tips are practice a lot your set, really! Keep your instrument comfortably adjusted, know very well your rig, and play with musicians who you can trust to do a great show. Be confident we are all human beings, everybody can make mistakes. Just get out and play! Rock ‘n’ Roll!

Marcelo Rocha: Not fear, but good anxiety, a desire to play. I believe that rehearsing a lot and being well-prepared reduces the possibility of feeling afraid.

Edê Boy: I had fear and insecurity when I started to learn as a child. Even today the famous butterflies in the stomach are natural. It's what feeds us, I like those minutes before the show is always very welcome.

Rafael Cacavallo: Not really... nothing but the usual excitement and thrill as expected before a live presentation, which is nice. For the beginners (and actually for everyone!): Being well prepared, feeling confident about your playing, and being "in tune" with your bandmates will definitely beat any bad feelings. And always remember, you are doing something you love!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

MR: John Mayall and The Blues Breakers, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Ten Years After, and Led Zeppelin. Those guys are really, really true and original. They are so committed to playing the music like the blues masters.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

MR: I’m still waiting for you. Hahaha! It’s all ok, no surprises, just signed CDs or photos. Well, had some cases of guys who traveled to see us live.

13. What do you think of your fans?

MR: I’m really grateful for them. All cool guys!

14. What do you think of our site?

MR: Very good for new bands, new albums. Very informative. Congratulations! An honor for us to be here!

15. Something to add?

MR: I’d like to thank you for this opportunity to talk and invite the readers to listen to our new album ‘Smoke Burst’. A lot of passion and hard work is involved. Cheers!