Macrohard

Hotel Reservations

2008-01-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's incredible. Nowadays internet has really become a part of our life. Thanks to the net it's possible to do nearly everything. But it's not always easy to understand the importance of such an instrument. Extremely revolutionary. Internet is useful in many ways. For studying. For working out of the office. For the entertainment. But also for other interesting purposes.

Travels could be a good example. Not so many years ago to plan a trip was, without a doubt, linked to travel agents. It was almost impossible to book a flight or an hotel in a different way. Not today. Thanks to the net nothing could seem easier. And cheaper. Yes cheap. Because to book trough internet web site could be a real bargain. The internet era has made possible the start up and the development of many low cost flight companies. And if this has also boosted the collapse of many gigantic, and old, airlines doesn't really matter. What is really important is that for almost any destination is possible to find the best and more competitive solution both for flights and hotels directly from the sofa.

I had recently the proof of it. The reason was a business trip to Dubai and India. But not Delhi or Mumbai. No. My destination is a not so known place. Hyderabad. Deep south of India. After booking the flight I was just thinking on where to go to sleep. With a really low confidence I have started to search the web for an hotel in Hyderabad. In just a bunch of minutes I have found out a really interesting site for the ones who needs to book an hotel. And not only.

Just after putting the keyword Hyderabad in the search engine I was provided with a lot of results. From 5 stars Hotels to very budget ones. With everything in the middle. And I also had the chance to see all details. From prices to descriptions to pictures of the place. Great. I have solved my problem in a very short time. And at a very good price too.

With a lot more confidence I have tried to search again. For a Caribbean resort this time. I have found great opportunities in Bahamas islands. I have also tried to organize a week end in London. And also this time I have been impressed by the available choice.

Ok. If I was looking for the proof that internet is not just sex and music I have it. To plan a trip has never been easier. So I'm really happy about the revolution. The digital one at least!

Banksy - Art or garbage?

2008-01-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

It's funny. In a world where anyone would do anything just for personal celebrity someone still tries to hide. And it's much more funny cause the guy is famous. The more he wants to hide the more he gets known!

Banksy. That's the name. Or better that's the nick. He is an artist. If it's acceptable to call artist someone who paints (also) the city walls. Not so much is know about his identity. But it's sure that his pieces of art are part of Sotheby's Auction. At ever increasing sale prices. Maybe that's not enough to call him artist. But his work is strongly discussed. Not only for its quality. That could be liked or not. No. What does really propeller the discussion is that it's still not clear if Banksy is a silly vandal or something more.

To some extent he reminds me Keith Haring. Haring did started to satisfy his artistic needs in the NYC underground. Painting with white graffiti the black paper sheet used for covering "expired" ads. The ones who did "steal" those curious drawings have now a treasure in their hands.

Banksy too operates in the urban habitat. The wall is his canvass. Graffiti are his art. Using the stencil he has decorated the ghetto walls of some of the less nice British towns. He has left his mark all around the world. What makes Banksy different from other Graffiti makers is the message within his artwork. Never light. Always stimulating. He loves to provoke people. He is a rebel. A very self-marketing oriented rebel. Yes, he gives for free his artwork to towns and people but he also has a very active net created to sell it. But this is not something bad.

Once again I cannot tell if Banksy could be considered an artist or not. Probably yes. He paint for the people. He makes the people talk about his work. But he makes them smile too. For sure he makes the people think. And to do so (with any means) is one of the first target of each artist.

Elvis Costello - My aim is true

2007-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's really strange the way I choose CDs! Normally I read reviews on specialized magazines. But it's not enough. It's also important the impression after listening a couple of tunes. On the radio. Or on the Tv. Sometimes I search the web looking for some hints. But sometimes the way I choose is a little bit crazy. I'm driven by something that has nothing to do with the quality of the final product.

This is the case of my last choice. An album from Elvis Costello. My aim is true. It was originally released in 1977. It's his debut album. Ok, maybe it's better to start from the beginning. I really don't know much about Elvis Costello. But at least I know his name. I know he married Diana Krall. I know the he his famed to be a good musician. Stop. Nothing more. The first time I have heard some of his music was in a movie. Yes a movie. I'm talking about an Austin Power's episode. I have seen a cameo with Costello and Bacharach playing a nice tune in a Swinging London overcrowded by strange hippies. That's it. All my knowledge about Costello's music is related to those few frames.

No doubt that my curiosity has been touched. But nothing more. For years I didn't feel the needs to understand better. But recently I have fallen in love with a guitar. It's a Fender. Jazzmaster is the name. It was designed for Jazz. It's rare and not fully understood by many guitar players. But what does this guitar has to so with Elvis Costello and with my choice? A lot! Costello is one of the few (probably a little snob?) that did choose the Jazzmaster as his main guitar.

I had a look at the cover of the CD with this man and his crazy posture holding this amazing Jazzmaster. It was impossible to resist. I was pushed to buy the De Luxe Edition. Ok, the De luxe Edition is just marketing (Live + Demos). Probably it's not worth the extra money. But the original version of the album is just surprisingly! Any track is so full of energy. It sounds so fresh and true. It has a lo-fi flavor, like a demo tape. But all the album is absolutely powerful. Romantic tunes like Alison are paired with rock'n'roll attitude like in Welcome to the Working Week, Miracle Man or the wonderful Waiting for the End of the World.

My aim is true is a great debut album. It's pure rock'n'roll well spiced up with some punk, jazz and blues. It's the product of a fresh talent. Maybe a little bit rough here and there but so funny. It sounds new. Even today. It's a little bit surprising to me that Elvis Costello after all is not so known to the mass. Maybe it's a choice. I don't know. But after all what makes me smile is that my crazy method of choice was (this time too?) successful and made me find a real jewel.

Shantaram - An Indian tale

2007-10-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

I remember with pleasure the summer break. Far away from the school. A little less the homework. Saved for the last 10 days of holidays. I remember about book reading assignment. Two, three or four books to be chosen from a list of classics. Normally the criterium of choice was just the number of pages! During those days to read a 200 pages book seemed almost impossible.

After some years I have luckily grown a true passion for books. Now the choice is a little bit more serious and based on the argument of the book. But again, for some strange reason, I'm a little bit scared by bigger books. To start the reading of over 300 pages volume I still need to be really excited by a review or by its introduction. If the excitement is not sufficiently high I prefer to swap it with a lighter, at least from a physical point of view, one.

It could be a little strange but I have decided anyway to read Shantaram a 1.200 pages story about the true experience of the author. Just to hold the book could be difficult. But as long as you read the very first rows you understand that this is a jewel. This book is about a big part of the (real) life of the author: Gregory David Roberts. The story is mainly based in India. And probably this is the reason of that kind of magic that characterizes any page of the book.

The book starts with the arrival of Greg in Bombay, India. Here he tries to restart his life from scratch. Trough many experiences, also very hard ones, Greg learns again to love himself. And the others too. He will become many person: a tourist, a doctor in a slum, an actor for Bollywood, a member of the local Mafia, a criminal and finally the defender of the weak. In this extraordinary trip Greg learns how to be an Indian. He learns to love Indian people. But more than all he teaches to the reader to like this unique and full of contrast country.

Shantaram. The size of the book could be scarring. But to read it is really easy. G.D. Roberts has been able to drive deep emotions along with his writing. The passion is deeply present in any page. It's not a case if Johnny Depp, one of the most intelligent actors from Hollywood, has bought the rights to produce a movie. It's not a case if the direction of it has been given to Mira Nair, an Indian director. No one else could describe better the magic about India, its people and the amazing story of G.D. Roberts, named Shantaram, man of peace, by his own Indian friends.

Jaco Pastorius & 9/11

2007-10-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

I've recently been at a Billy Cobham show. Great technique. A real rhythm machine. Not so great when talking about emotions. Drum is a rhythm tool. Not a lead instrument. A drummer cannot be the main attraction in a band. The same is for bass guitar. It cannot be the lead instrument. Otherwise it could turn out to be really boring. This is the rule.

But any good rule has its own exception. In this case the only exception is an American guy quickly destroyed by his own madness during a short life dominated by any kind of excess. Jaco. For the ones with a minimum musical knowledge it's useless to tell anything else. Behind this name there is the greatest bass player ever. The only one able to break all the rules. The only one to turn bass guitar into a lead instrument. Simply incomparable.

Like it's said for Jimi Hendrix for Jaco Pastorius too is true that:"...the star that shines the double lives half time!". And his life has been too short. As soon as he did reach some fame madness started to appear. In a few months his decline has started. He introduced himself to Joe Zawinul as the greatest bass guitar player in the world. And he has shown to be it despite of the initial fu...ff received as an answer. With success he did also experience some mental disease that shortly took him away from the showbiz. And from his own life too. In the very last months of his life Jaco lived like a homeless. Without a dime in his pocket. Deeply addicted to alcohol and drugs. At the age of 35 he did meet his Death. Early. Too much early. And violently.

Jaco's legend started in 1976 when he was only 25. In that year he released his own masterpiece: Jaco Pastorius. This album kicked him directly into history. To hear Portrait of Tracy could be a shock. The way he plays the fretless bass, the deepness of his sound and the emotions coming out from his music could drive anyone to stop playing bass guitar. For ever. No human being can reach such a level. It's not a problem of technique. It's something related to feelings. No one can learn it! From this point he started many projects with well known musicians. Weather Report, Pat Metheny, Joni Mitchell just to name a few.

As long as his success got bigger also his mental disease did. Favored by the alcohol and drugs (ab)use. He always walked on the razor's edge. Until the final day. 9/11 is without any doubt related to NYC and the Twin Towers. Anyway also music has its own 9/11. On 9/11/1987 Jaco had a violent fight with a security guy outside a disco. He was seriously wounded and the result was his death after a few days. Twenty years ago, during another sad 9/11, has been killed the greatest bass guitar player ever. Jaco Pastorius. One & Only!

Some (un)usual things to do in Paris

2007-10-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

For sure Paris is one of the most fascinating city in Europe. Probably in the whole world too. It's rich. It's wide. It's modern and ancient. In one word it is simply wonderful. Paris could be really expensive. If you are looking for hotels in Paris you must be ready to pay higher rates than in other European cities. Anyway, using some web sources, it's not so hard to find cheap hotels with a good level of service and comfort. After having found out a good place to sleep in the city it's time to go. You can live Paris as a common tourist. Take a look at it with one of those nasty Sightseeing Bus. Or you can choose differently. You could try to live Paris in a slight different way. Maybe with the help of a local. Or at least you could try to do both. Visit the main tourists attractions. And then spend some time to discover hidden or just unusual places.

For the institutional part of the trip it's wise not to forget a visit at the Tour Eiffel. Nothing is more tourists related than taking a picture of the tower. But anyway this is a true symbol of Paris and it would be a real madness not to take a close look at it! At least one time in a life it's a must. Another special place, packed with tourists, is the Louvre Museum. No one while visiting Paris should miss this place. Just to have a look at the outside of the building and at the broad square where it was built is simply a breathtaking experience. If you want to deeply visit the exhibition it would take 3 to 5 days. Too much. Just skip anything but the Mona Lisa. It would be perfect if you have recently seen the Da Vinci code movie. Visiting the Louvre will be a completely different trip! To conclude the first part of the itinerary a quick visit to Notre Dame Cathedralis just perfect. Stop here. Nothing more. This would be enough to tell your friend about usual Paris.

Let's now start with the fun. Or at least with the less usual track. The starting point could be a free walk in the Marais. It's very nice to walk within this district without a goal apart the building-watching. It's amazing to breathe the special atmosphere propelled by the crowd of young crazy designer and their ateliers. After this could be really nice to stop in one of the thousand Cafè just to relax as a real Parisienne drinking a cup of coffee.

For the night, if the budget is not a problem, a valid option is a dinner at Buddha Bar. One of the most glamorous restaurant in Paris. Anyway a visit for a drink to see the place is strongly recommended. For a 5 star experience a glass of a vintage champagne at the Hotel de Crillion is a very luxury way to treat yourself. After dinner and till late the right place is Harry's Bar. Just say "Sank Roo Doe Noo" to the taxi driver and you will reach a real piece of the history of Paris. Have some fun with a jazz gig in the lower level and prepare yourself for a real French night.

Last place to conclude the unusual tour of Paris is Pere Lachaise. It's a little bit strange place to visit. Pere Lachaise it's a cemetary. But really unusual. It's made in a very strange way. It's like a garden with a lot of sculptures inside. It's a nice place. But the thrilling thing is that it's populated by the graves of many famous persons like Chopin, Proust, Bellini or Modigliani. More than other two graves must be visited. The one of Oscar Wilde. A big squared block of stone covered by thousand of kisses left by the fans with their colored lipsticks. And to finish the one where Jim Morrison is buried since 1971. Probably the most visited grave in the whole world. A real mystic trip for any rock'n'roll lover.

Paris is unique uncomparable and probably forever unbeatable. A trip to Paris it's always a special adventure anyone should have.

Tottimotori: the photo session book

2007-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

To play any kind of game is really important for a child. Through the game he can make a lot of experience so important for his development. For adults too games and toys are essential. But there is a big problem. Two big problems indeed. The first one is that until you are a child adults buy toys for you. Once grown up you must provide by yourself. The second one is that adult's toys are normally really expensive. Very much.

Boys loves toy cars, toy boats and toy bikes. Once grown up they prefer Porsche cars, yachts and rare and expensive motor bikes. Analyzing in details the last point it looks clear how men do prefer special unique bikes. The ones that brings lot of emotions and that help you to emerge in the crowd. But only the lucky ones could ride real specials built by the masters.

A considerable part of the specials appeared in European bike magazines during the recent years have been designed and built in a lonely farm lost in the countryside surrounding Bologna. The Master who crafted those masterpieces is named Roberto Totti. During my frequent oniric-lisergic dreams I see him as a novel Santa Klaus able to mold any kind of material for the pleasure of his customers and to realize their most crazy ideas.

During his long career he has built an unknown number of masterpieces, only in part revealed to the public. Unbelievable examples of his art are bike like the Pregnant Duck, extreme rebuilding of an obsolete CBX 6 cylinders; the Vale Rossi Tribute, a great Urban Motard based on a YZ dirt bike; the modern interpretation of a classic Ducati Apollo; the wonderful Stinger, able to give a soul to the almost aseptic CCM bikes; the unholy marvelous Bonneville Hommage, extreme Super Motard based on a classic Triumph bike; and to ends up the Slim Race 24, light years ahead anything.

Roberto Totti and Tottimotori are all of this. And much more. Classic era, present and future. Superb technique and simple intuition. Pure Custom bikes. Not everyone can have the pleasure of riding a special by Tottimotori. For many reasons. For time limits. He works alone. Or maybe for budget reasons. A special built by Roberto could cost some tens of thousand EUR. But anyone could have a piece of his history.

Around Christmas will be released a limited series of its first photo book, Made in Italy. Anyone could buy it on-line. Through the book anyone can enter his magic world of special bikes. Inside are described the milestones of his career through the photographic analysis of his best bikes. A one and only occasion for the ones who didn't have the pleasure of seeing one of his bike live. Not to buy and own this book would be a real crime!!!

Royal Enfield - myth and history on two wheels

2007-09-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Modern bikes are perfect. Maybe too much. Every year the manufacturers reach new goals. Japanese are now building two wheeled rockets that could run over 100 km/h with the first gear! Able to go faster than 300 km/h with the sixth. Modern bikes are really powerful and light. Real masterpieces of technology. During the '70 Norton Commando and Triumph Bonneville were the names for superbikes. Very uncomplicated bikes. With their simple frames and almost ridiculous brakes. Very fast. I mean for the seventies. Like a scooter. For the modern times. But so gorgeous.

Anyway time has been on their side. After more than 30 years it seems that a new fever for those classic bikes is rising. Still today those bike are pure jewels. On the one side brands like Triumph and Kawasaki are producing again their [modern] classic bikes (no oil leaks and powerful brakes). On the other side a bunch of brave bikers (probably a little bit snob) is fighting trying to catch the last "original" bikes still available. But in between there is a third way. Just in the middle. And probably as usual "in medio stat virtus" (in the middle stays the good).

It's crazy to think about it. Anachronistic. It's a paradox. Today anyone could buy a 50 years old bike. New. Brand new. Maybe it's better to say that anyone could buy a bike that for 50 years has never changed. It's obvious: it's a Brit bike. Almost. It's a bike that was developed and built in England more than 50 years ago. But more or less at the same time of the British bike industry crash the production has been moved to that magic place called India. There the history and the production of this bike had been frozen so the modern one is just unchanged since 50 years ago.

This bike has a name: Royal Enfield Bullet. A paradox. Like many things arriving from India. But with a lot of charm. Like everything arriving from there. Bullet reminds speed. Power. But to be honest this bike cannot beat any kind of modern bike. This is the paradox. In an industry where maximum speed is a must the Bullet makes its strength in being always the same lazy slow classic bike. To ride a Royal Enfield is like start a trip with a time machine. Is possible to rediscover the pleasure of riding. Of the journey. Of the adventure. Thanks to the low speed is possible to fully enjoy the landscape. Far from the freeway. The pleasure of riding in the country roads. The trip becomes the real target instead of being the medium to reach it. Unfortunately not everyone could enjoy the pleasure of riding a Royal Enfield. Small things. Like forget the time running. Ride really slow with a cigar in the mouth. To travel without a place to reach, slow, with the wind gently blowing on the face. Only the ones with passion could fully enjoy it.

The Captain is a perfect example of insane passion. A romantic Man from older times. For the love of those angloindian bikes he has left a good safe job. He has dived in a such illogic adventure (from a financial point of view). Yes illogic but too fascinating. The Captain has opened the first Italian Royal Enfield exclusive dealer. It's in Bologna. A land of passion and engines. And the Captain probably has too much passion. About bikes. He strongly believes in his ideas and feelings.

With some sadness the Captain reminds me another incredible Man. Carlo Talamo. The crazy project of the Captain is really similar to the one that Carlo had with his Numero Uno Harley Davidson store. To sell old bikes that no ones want. Carlo Talamo had the ability to restart the passion (but also the fashion) in many bike lovers. He has created a real success. I hope the Captain could do the same. The first step is done. The first special bike is yet ready. Many other will come. Soon. Captain probably you will find storms and hurricanes during you sailing but please keep on fighting. All of us need it so much!

Ben Harper - Lifeline

2007-08-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have seen a very interesting clip on Ben Harper. During a live show he was asking to the audience about how they have known his music. On TV? No one. On the radio? No one. Thanks to the advice of a friend? An explosion! Anyone has known him thanks to the word of mouth. Such a primitive marketing tool!

I had the same experience. Magical. Half drunk, late at night. During a party with many friends I have suddenly heard the rhythm of a bongo coming out from the stereo. Then a fine acoustic guitar riff. And finally his voice. He put a spell on me. It was Ben Harper's one. He was singing "Burn One Down". I was hypnotized. Since then I have started to hear all of his music. Up to his simply wonderful cover of "Strawberry Fields". Stunning.

Due to the primitive marketing tool of the word of mouth I have started to be a genuine Harperoholic! Anytime a new release is announced I start to fell a strong interior conflict. On one side the happiness related to the good news of some more music from Ben Harper. On the other side the fear. Ben is not from Mars. Sooner or later he will fail. His artistic inspiration must disappear.

Anytime he releases a new album Ben Harper declares that it is his best one. The most complete. Actually I have never been disappointed by him. Anytime the fear for the flop is strongly kicked out by the beautyfulness of his music and by the very deep lyrics. It's incredible but time after time Ben Harper looks like a perfect guy who never fails. For sure, some albums are better than others. But anyone is surprising. Just one example: "There will be a light". Very far from the previous works. Ben Harper was able to renew his music without betray his soul. He was able to bring the Blind Boys of Alabama back to music. He made a real masterpiece.

It's clear enough that when I heard about the new album from Ben Harper I have started to feel a little anxious state of mind. I have to be honest. Truly. This time I had a strong feeling about a possible failure. After a double album arisen from the angry generated by Katrina hurricane. A shout in favor of all the (black) homeless not considered by the administration. After months of tour all around the world. After a week of work in Paris relegated in a studio with his innocent criminals he has created another masterpiece.

It's a black music album. Soul. It sounds like a record from the '70s. But it also sounds modern. Since from the very first listening I had the proof that Ben was right once again. It's not important to write about each of the 11 tracks. It's enough one that could represent the whole album: "Put it on". Like the Marley tune. But inspired from the golden era of Black Music. Amazing. Makes your heart beat faster. It makes you scream while singing following its rhythm with the body.

Maybe sometimes Ben Harper will record a bad album. I don’t know. For sure today he is more from Mars than from Planet Earth.

Roberto Totti - Made in Italy

2007-08-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Made in Italy, it's something really important. In fashion Made in Italy does add some value to any product. Also to the ones not yet made in Italy; maybe designed in Italy or assembled in Italy. Talking about engines and speed Made in Italy is strictly related to Ferrari. But not only. Many knows that a small region of Italy, Emilia Romagna, is crowded by great craftsmen working hard on their impossible ideas to reach higher targets. About new engines. About new bikes. About races. About the art of customizing.

Made in Italy is also the title of a special book that will be released next Christmas. It's a really important book. A photo book. For those who love bikes. But not only. Really important for those who love art. Two wheels art. The book is a collection of pictures that witnesses the last 30 years of the work of one of the greatest bike customizer ever. The name's Totti. Roberto Totti. And he was Made i Italy too. He is a real genius born some decades ago around Bologna, that magic part of Italy fully devoted to engines, bikes and cars. A part of Italy well populated by craftsmen who can shape steel & iron giving a tangible consistency to their mad ideas.

Roberto Totti is a one & only kind of man. He is shy. It's not so easy to reach him. It's not easy at all to have a bike built by himself. It's not a problem of money. You need more. Much more. It's only a matter of passion. You must be really passionate about bikes if you want him to work on your project. Doesn't matter what kind of project. The only way to have a special bike by Totti is to have a lot of passion. He has built specials worth more than 100.000 EUR (take a look at the almost impossible Pregnant Duck). But he has worked with much more low budget too (up to 1.000 EUR).

If you want to have a bite of his art just take a look at his own web site. If you want some more be sure to have a copy of his limited edition book. You will have the chance to see some of his masterpieces. If you want to know more about his passion take a look at his DVD about the Salt Lake Bonneville experience. But this is another story...

Giovanni Allevi and Stefano Bollani

2007-08-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

In my opinion Jimi Hendrix has been one of the greatest musical genius ever. His feeling is absolutely unique. Nobody has ever been steps ahead like him. Nowadays a lot of guitar heros could play hundreds of notes per second. But without sentiment. Pure technical power. So boring! Even when I think about instrumental albums, like a solo piano album, I just pair it with this bad feeling. Boring. Boring. Boring!

As sometimes happens then arrives something that makes me change my mind. Probably something strange. Unique. I don't know. I just know that this time the thing that made me change my mind is related to a couple of Italian artists (piano players). The names are Stefano Bollani and Giovanni Allevi.

The first time I have seen Stefano Bollani was on an MTV's broadcast. He was playing live some solo tunes. Brilliant, no doubt. But then he did an experiment. He has asked to the audience to write on a piece of paper a tune he should play. No limits at all to the requests. 5 or 6 have been chosen randomly: Smoke on the water, like a virgin, Summertime and others. Very hard job for Stefano. But just after a few seconds he has played a great medley of all this songs. Absolutely incredible. Unbelievable. Ok. Quite easy. It was a TV show. For sure everything has been carefully prepared before. Or not?

Just to have some kind of proof I have been at his live show some days after. I was really curious. Incredible. At the end of the show he did the same experiment. The audience was shouting the name of the songs for the encore. He wrote more or less 10 titles. And after a few seconds he started a wonderful medley. I was there and I can witness this extraordinary experience. But what has really impressed me is the wild and creative attitude he has playing the piano. And the audience too has impressed me much. Complete silence during the performance. Explosion of noise, claps and whatever just after the last note of each tune! Amazing.

As a consequence of this nice experience I felt ready for testing another Italian piano player. Giovanni Allevi. He is a very shy guy with a great sensibility. His last album (piano solo!!!), Joy, put a spell on me! Since from the very first listening I had a positive feeling with it. I have found myself listening the whole CD for 3 or 4 times in a row. After that I did feel a little bit strange. Confused. Never in my life I thought possible for me to like so much instrumental music. And without any guitar too! But the truth is that Giovanni Allevi is simply magic. Any of his note could transfer real emotions.

An hazardous comparison could be between Giovanni Allevi and Jimi Hendrix. More than all in a couple of tunes. The first one, Downtown, reminds me the experiment made by Jimi Hendrix to reproduce the noise of the traffic with his own guitar. The second one, Jazzmatic, is a crescendo where rhythm and the dynamic of the player are simply unbelievable. And powerful. As only Jimi's guitar was.

Sometimes is really nice to be wrong and change mind. Thank you Giovanni. Thank you Stefano.

Valentino Rossi has some problem with his taxes! Who cares???

2007-08-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Maybe Elisabetta Canalis has nothing to do with it. The same for all the flirts that have been recently published on tabloids. Probably the truth about Valentino Rossi's last bad performances it's another. It looks that he has been fined for nearly 112.000.000 EUR by the Italian fiscal authority. Congratulations! Who can deeply concentrate on his job with such a big amount of money to pay? Even for 1/1000 of it! Not me. Nor Valentino, probably.

Of course I can't tell if it's true or not his fiscal problem. But the real truth is that I don't care at all about it. It's quite easy to understand that the Champion has moved from Tavullia to London for fiscal purposes. But again I don't care about it. He is free to do what he likes. What are care about are just results. Race results. And emotions. The ones he gives me anytime he races. And for sure he will gave a lot them to me in the future.

I don't understand the ones that feels betrayed. I don't feel like that. Valentino Rossi is a real champion. And he will be forever. He is really nice. He is a winner. And he will always be it forever. Taxes, paid or not, have nothing to do with it. It's just stupid that the detectives have lost three years trying to find the clues of his guiltiness. In three years they could probably have discovered thousands of other crimes. But it's more easy to have this spectacular success. Many invidious guys will be really happy. Not me. I don't care if Valentino was right or wrong with his fiscal matters. Italy should dedicate him a great monument for what he has done and for the glory he has brought to our country.

Anyway I'm sure that Valentino knows how to answer. If he is going to win next race probably he will do the honour lap dressed like a prisoner. He is condemned to win (yes to pay the fine...ridiculous, simply ridiculous).

Madrid, Madrid, Madrid !!!

2007-08-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

It’s quite normal to think about Barcelona as a lively city. And it's true. No doubt about it. It's also normal to think about Madrid as a less funny place. Well, this was at least my impression. And it's false. The truth is that Madrid is a never sleeping city !!! And, still against the idea of mine and many others, it's very nice and packed with a lot of amazing spots.

One of the best secrets ever to deeply live a place is to visit it with a local. Also for a non tourist journeyman it's almost impossible not to be caught in the net of some tourist-buster (fake local restaurant, bars or night venues...). Unfortunately is not possible to have a local friend in every place. Sometimes we must do everything on ourselves trying to skip all the tourist-buster.

Fortunately I have a lot of friends all around Europe & the World. And one of my best friends has lived in Madrid for more than four years: she is a crazy Mexican with Italian blood in their veins and in Spain she has found the perfect mix of USA & Europe. And a couple of hundreds of friends too. What else can ask for a short trip to Madrid ?

My expectations have been fully satisfied. Madrid is really wonderful. The locals are fantastic. I have felt strange and mixed emotions during the trip. The place could be modern and old at the same time. After a long walk in the commercial district around Puerta del Sol I have found myself having lunch (at 4 o'clock p.m., very normal here in Madrid) in a old restaurant where the time seems to have stopped 50 years ago!

Probably its useless to give a list of the best places to see. Any kind of travel book (Lonely Planet it's always the best) can provide all the details. Much more better than me. But for sure I can give some advice to avoid the "tourists route". To sleep a good place is the Room Mate Mario Hotel. There are many belonging to the Room Mate brand in Madrid. I have choose the Mario one, very close to the Opera. Great position. Sophisticated with a nice touch of design. Very nice boutique hotel at affordable prices (135 EUR for the wide junior suite). Very close to the Hotel it's possible to find a great Mexican restaurant. The name is Entre Suspiro Y Suspiro. It's a real Mexican restaurant, not a Tex-Mex. Food is great but a little expensive (40/50 EUR each). The place is really nice, elegant but not overcrowded.

During the night Madrid never sleeps. It's impossible not to find something to do. A wonderful idea is to have a couple of drink on the roof garden of the Melià Hotel situated in Plaza Santa Ana. This Hotel used to be the place where the toreros spent the days and nights prior to the "Corrida". Now it has been completely refurbished. It's a very chic hotel and on the roof top you can find a bar and have the best glance of the city at night. Very exclusive. It's worth a visit for a couple of drink. To continue the party it's a must to move in La Latina, a part of the city crowded by locals drinking and having fun in one of the thousands bar spread all over the area.

Late night it's absolutely necessary a stop at Cock bar. A very famous place where many famous writers, artists and filmmakers meet all together for a drink and a chat. Very peculiar. Surrounded by clouds of smoke (yes, in Madrid is still possible to smoke in public areas) is possible to have a drink in this fashionable and elegant bar and talk about the Movida with the ones who started it. I had the chance to drink a very good Mojito while my friend (at 4 o'clock a.m.) was talking with a smiling Pedro Almodovar. For the one really full of energy I suggest a visit at Toni 2 (Toni Dos). Possibly after 4 o'clock in the morning. It's an unbelievable place. Ladies and Gents from 30 to 80 years old meet together in this bar and sing all night long with the help of a piano player and tons of cigarettes and alcohol. Very strange but absolutely a piece of everyday life in Madrid.

Last but not least it'n wise to have a lunch (from 3 to 5 p.m., not before) at a marvelous Taberna (old restaurant). Don Paco. It's in Caballero de Gracia, near Plaza de Cibeles. It's a musuem of the Corrida and with a few money you can have incredible food & drinks. It's almost impossible to find a tourist here. It's a real Spanish restaurant. With great feelings. It smells Spain in every corner. Don't loose it!

Madrid is much more than one could imagine. Having the chance to visit it (at least in part) with the eyes of a local makes it even much better.

Gigi Cifarelli's talking guitar

2007-08-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Talking about music is not so easy. There are many chances to use stereotypes. Brazilian has the rhythm in their blood! Any Brazilian? Cubans dance like gods! Any Cuban? Could it be possible? Only (Afro)Americans can play the Blues! Yeah, the Blues. But also Jazz music. It's chilling to think about a Norwegian playing Jazz music. But in the cold Scandinavia is possible to find some of the finest modern Jazz players.

And what about Italians? Think about Italy means to think about Pizza & Mandolino? Are we so sure? I'm not! Probably stereotypes, like any legend, have some truth inside. I'm quite sure that it's something related to attitude. Capacity. For sure a Jamaican is much more confident with Reggae music than with winter sports. But if I'm not wrong there was a Jamaican team riding a bobsled at the Winter Olympics! Probably an Italian is more confident with soccer playing (or at least talking) than playing Jazz music. But there are many examples of great Italian Jazzman & Bluesman. Could be crazy. Could sound impossible. I don't know. What I know is the existence of the proof.

And the proof has a name. The name is Cifarelli. Gigi Cifarelli. He is really incredible. In the Milan city area he is one of the most famous and appreciated musicians. But ha has lot of fans all over Italy and Europe. Probably his name is known also in the USA. For sure in USA he has lot of friends. Mike Stern is one of them. Many times they shared the same stage for a gig. Also a real Jazz Master like the (sadly) gone Tony Scott was a fan of Gigi. He has played with many stars. It's enough to take a look at the gallery of his own web site to check it.

Gigi has an incredible feeling with music. He doesn't play the guitar. He makes the guitar talk to the audience. The instrument is the media to drive all the emotions. And Gigi drives many emotions to the audience. He has incredible technical skills. But really seldom he uses it. He prefers to use the heart, to have fun and to provide fun to the others. He is for sure one of the greatest Jazz players in Italy. And not only. He plays the Blues like few others can. But the crazy thing is that music to him is not a job. He whisper to his friends that his real job is to ride the bicycle. For real. He wins many competition every year. Guitar is just an hobby. It's a way to lower everyday stress. It's just fun. Not a job.

On 6th July he has played in Nice with one of the biggest American guitar players: Mr Al Di Meola. Yes, typical American name...just look at the cover photos of Friday Night In San Francisco! Despite of its Pizza & Mandolino attitude Gigi has played great Blues & Jazz. Also Mr Di Meola has been shocked by him. Probably Gigi will receive some proposal for a tour abroad (maybe in the USA) but I'm not sure he will accept. How can he left his bike for such a long time???

The Beatles & Sgt. Pepper's 40 years after.

2007-07-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have read that more or less 1.000.000 books on the Beatles have been written. It's correct to think that almost everything and much more has been yet written on them. A post about the Beatles has, for sure, some ridiculous taste. It's useless, maybe. But there are coincidencies. Celebrations. Historical dates. Unique events. The 1st of June 1967, exactly 40 years ago, was released the album that according to many is the real Fab Four's masterpiece: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. There are albums that are boring just after the third time you have played them. Others become really legendary. And, as in this case, after few decades they could be named "best album ever". Check out Rolling Stone in 2004.

It's incredible to still talk about this recording after 4 decades. I have listened to discuss about it for all my life. I feel like this record is even part of my own life. But the very strange thing is that I have never listened this album! Until some days ago. Obviously during my life I have heard some tunes from it here and there. I would be a liar to tell that I have never listened Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. The real truth is that I have heard and read so much about Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band to be sure to know it without even listen it.

At the end I have decided to do like St. Thomas did and verify with my own ears if this album is really so important or not. I can't tell if this is the "best album ever" or not but for sure this one is really incredible. It's not about the fact that this is one of the first concept album. It's not about the fact that it justify in some way the (ab)use of drugs (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds or fixing a hole). I'm just talking about the music. Only the music. And the words. It's crazy. It's a modern sounding album even today. It sounds new and extremely powerful. It sounds at the same time so familiar and as something never heard before. But, above all, it completly sweeps away the idea of the "good boys" Beatles. Only a healthy madness mixed up with a deep sense of rebellion (and a good amount of drugs) can help an artist to produce such a masterpiece.

I'm quite sure I have listened the album 5 times in a row before putting down the earphones. I can't find the words to describe the strange chill felt just after having realized that this music is 40 years old !!! I understand how brave is anyone who has published any kind of music after this date: 1 June of 1967. To have such a benchmark could be really scaring and demotivating for any musician.

100 to Delhi

2007-07-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

100 to Delhi. It's self explaining: it means 100 kilometers to reach Delhi. This simple text message has kick started my imagination just a couple of days ago. For sure that's enough to start dreaming. The word Delhi itself is enough to ignite wonderful fantasies. India. Magic India. A world apart. Made with contrast. Full of glam and rich in culture. Cradle of the civilization and probably, according to someone, the place where everything has started. The number zero. The chess game. Just to tell some.

100 to Delhi. I think it's probably one of the most exciting message I have ever received. A friend sent it to me exactly 100 km "only" from Delhi. The truth is that this trip is almost a never ending one in India. Together with a previous text message this one sounds even more ridiculous: "...I'm on a taxi 280 km from Delhi. In 10 hours my plane leaves. Not so sure I'll get it". To analyze to simple phrases, filtered with out everyday experience, could make us smile. Probably we just cannot understand. Such a distance in the "civilized" part of the world can be done in a couple of hours. In India the only certain thing is that nothing is certain! Even 10 hours couldn't be enough to cover such a distance.

100 to Delhi. Any time I read it I think about this friend of mine. The overloaded backpack. The dust. The bloody heat. The sweat. The screams driven by the tension. An Indian cab-driver smiling for my friend's fear. He simply doesn't understand him. He sweetly smiles while moving the big head showing his few teeth and the white big eyes. The joy in the deep of the heart of the western guy. After all in just few hours everything will be so sad. Because he will miss the plane that should takes him home. Or maybe because he will get it. Leaving besides him all the magic of this land and its people.

100 to Delhi. 100.000.000 between East and West.