Gianluca Tramontana

A special salute with an archive interview and radio session

If you’re a fan of Levon Helm, The Band, BB King, Bob Dylan or a myriad of other amazing American artists you won’t want to miss this sit-down with piano wizard Brian Mitchell who has been a first call ivory tickler for a few decades.

To celebrate psychedelic punk revivalists The Fuzztones 45th anniversary, Deb O’Nair – co-fouder and former keyboard player, takes Gianluca through a history of the band and the New York City downtown music scene of the 70s and 80s.

Sitting with Gianluca celebrates iconic folk giant Dave Van Ronk, who would have been 85, together with folk singer David Massengill who toured with him for many years. Dave Van Ronk was the center for the 60s folk boom and was mentor to many fresh-faced folk-nick, including a young arrival called Bob Dylan. His knowledge…

Sitting with Gianluca is New York City acoustic blues player, recording artist, actor and author Guy Davis. After soaking up the arts as a child through his parents Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee, he has kept the family tradition alive by performing all over the world for the last four decades.

Sitting with Gianluca celebrates the life of singer Terry Reid who passed away at 75. Terry Reid may have turned down being Led Zeppelin’s singer, but he suggested Plant & Bonham. He also made one of the most influential albums of the 70s. Rock photographer, former label head, tour manager and terry Reid confidant sits…

Sitting with Gianluca (in exile) from Radio Grenouille in Marseille is first-call harmonica player Elie Coquard. If there is a group anywhere in the Provence region that needs a harmonica – Elie will get the call.

Sitting with me from Radio Grenouille in Marseille is Benjamin Minimum former 80s singer and editor of music magazine Mondo Mix. We talk about the new movement of French musicians to reclaim the indigenous Provence language of the Provence region that had been outlawed since the French Revolution. You can read an article I wrote about…

Sitting with Gianluca (in temporary – and voluntary exile in Marseille) this evening is Brazilian percussionist Sergio Bacalhau. Sergio was mentored by legendary percussionist Nana Vasconcelos and has been a professional musician since he was 15. As a bonus you can hear Gianluca’s head explode while attempting simultaneous French-English translation so be sure to wear…

Sitting with Gianluca celebrates the life of British blues guitar player Kim Simmonds leader of Savoy Brown who, along with his contemporaries Eric Clapton & Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, turned America and the world onto blues music. Sitting with Gianluca is his former manager and producer Arnie Goodman with recollections.