 |
 |
|
|
|
Joe Bongiorno, Page 3 |
|
|
and enthusiasm, and so naturally. He has wonderful stories to share and, quite frankly, he "sucks you in." It's a beautiful thing to watch (and hear), and I have learned so much having had the opportunity to get to know him personally as well as to perform with him.
KP: Do you have any hobbies?
JB: Nature - I love to hike and to trail-ride on a mountain bike. I also have a passion for Italian food and fine wine!
KP: How long have you worked in restaurants?
JB: Since I was seventeen. It's a form of entertainment in itself, and brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction. It's also a great way to meet people and to socialize.
KP: What kind of restaurant work do you do?
JB: I am currently the general manager for a fine dining restaurant in Seattle. I've been there almost seven years. I am blessed to work for a wonderful company that values a work/life balance, and I work with a truly great, talented team. I really love being able to put my signature on the restaurant, and am very proud of our success.
KP: When did you set up the recording studio in your house?
JB: I have had recording gear as far back as my music history goes. I ran a commercial recording studio in the early-90's on San Juan Island, WA. Since those days, I have built my studio around my own personal musical needs - now that I can justify it. There's nothing like being able to make world-class recordings in your own living room, whenever you please!
KP: Do you record anyone's music other than your own?
JB: I just completed recording David Nevue's upcoming solo piano release, "Adoration," which should be coming out this fall. David has done so much for the solo piano genre we all love so much - especially starting "Whisperings Solo Piano Radio." I learned a lot having such a seasoned veteran of piano music in my studio. He has become a great friend as well. I am also working with one of my favorite pianists and very close friend, Joe Yamada, on his long-awaited and highly-anticipated second solo piano release. I have a couple more solo piano projects slotted for this winter.
KP: I know that David Nevue is a real perfectionist with his own recordings. He told me that he recorded enough material for two CDs at your studio. That he is that happy with the recordings says a lot about the quality of your work! I'll bet the refreshments are really good, too!
JB: David spent more than a week here, and we ended each day with a glass of wine and some laughs watching late night “Seinfeld” reruns!
KP: What do you like to do in your free time, or do you have any?
JB: I love hanging out with my sixteen-year-old daughter, Taylor. She's my best friend! Anyone who says teen-agers are a drag or difficult needs to meet her. We communicate wonderfully and have a blast together! I also love to dine out, cook on my backyard grill, catch a ball game, and, of course, play piano! I perform at about 25-30 weddings a year, and have my own sound production company. We DJ weddings and parties on weekends. Is it any surprise I'm single?
KP: What are your favorite colors?
JB: Burgundy - might have something to do with my love for red wine.
KP: A man after my own heart! If you could have any three wishes, what would they be?
JB: Wow, there's a curve ball! One: I would get rid of the ringing in my ears (tinnitus); two: Taylor would love to be a couple inches taller - I would snap my fingers and make it happen! And three: I would fall in love again.
KP: Do you have any words of advice for young people who are studying music
now?
JB: If you're not having fun, don't do it. Take just a minute - close your eyes, and play what you hear in your head. Also, take your mistakes and make music out of them. I can't tell you how many times that's happened with my music!
KP: What's up next for you?
JB: I'd love to release a Christmas CD. I've been working on it, but I'm not sure when I'll get it done. It will be a very ssslllooowww and dreamy CD. I also want to release a CD of my renditions of wedding favorites. I get requests for this from all over the world from people who bump into the wedding samples I have at my website. Most importantly, I'd like to get more experience performing! I have just planned another in-home concert for December 2nd, with David Nevue as my special guest. We'll be saving a seat for you, Kathy!
KP: I'll do my best to be there!
******************************************************************************
For more information about Joe Bongiorno and to hear samples of his music, visit his website: www.mellowsounds.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
