I’m always on the lookout for music that’s a little different from the norm, and Bristol-based artist Fabio Ferri is certainly one of a kind! His album, Griboyedov Incident, is one of the most unique things I’ve ever heard in my life, going through a variety of different genres throughout. Find out more about this fascinating artist below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released an album titled Griboyedov Incident. What can you tell us about the album?
The album was conceived back in the beginning of 2021. As a classical music lover, listener and occasionally composer, I’ve always been attracted by the bunch of great composers that, between the late Romanticism and mid 20th century, were flourishing in those areas that now correspond to Russia and Ukraine. Each song off the album is dedicated to one or a few of them, as well as artists from other areas than music (such as painter Kandinsky, inventor Theremin, baritone singer Khil aka Mr Trololo). The whole album is dedicated to Ukrainian writer Bulgakov and the title corresponds to the title of the fifth chapter of his novel The Master and Margarita. Starting from their first influence from classical music, the tracks have been developed without focusing on a specific genre, simply letting creativity flow with results that range from jazz to experimental music to rock to world music to classical music itself, often without filtering out unconventional, crazy or overambitious ideas. Griboyedov Incident sees myself as composer, arranger, main producer, electric guitar, classical guitar and flute player, but it wouldn’t have been released without the help of the talented musicians and engineers who believed and took part in it.
How has the reception to the album been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The reception has been pretty good, thanks also to the co-distribution by the netlabel Camembert Électrique. In December, it was the most downloaded album of the label. Reviews have been positive and some tracks have been played on international, national or local radio stations, including BBC Sounds. The best way to support the release is by heading to my Bandcamp page!
Do you plan to release any singles from the album in the near future?
As a promotion strategy I’ve already released three singles – The Firebird, Theremin and Prokofiev – before the album launch. I’m not planning to release more singles, although I’m working on some music videos from Griboyedov Incident at the moment (for which I encourage checking out my YouTube channel).
Have you started writing for your next release, or is it too soon?
I’ve got a few creative directions, one of which is my own band, with sounds from jazz to heavy/math rock to classical music. I’ve already written a few tunes for this band. While not planned my next release yet, I think it’s likely that some of these tracks I wrote, as well as the band, will be featuring.
Your music has a jazzy, post-rock sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Of course, a big influence is classical music, which I’m always a keen listener of, especially in its 20th century production. In terms of cross-genre creative ideas, I owe a lot to Frank Zappa, who produced the most beautiful music from jazz to rock to classical, working with the most talented musicians out there as well as the LSO, Pierre Boulez… As a guitarist, I cannot deny a huge influence from Jimi Hendrix, Marc Ribot, Elliott Sharp, John Scofield, Paolo Angeli and many many more.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
The writing process can vary a lot. I often come up with chord progressions that pretty much let themselves flow, without planning any length or focal points of modulation. I would say my harmonic approach is rather Wagnerian. But there are those cases in which chords serve a melodic line I’ve come up with beforehand, or in which harmony and melody don’t quite have distinct roles. It may also happen that the tune is built upon a rhythmic idea or soundscape instead, or magically comes out of a jam, by myself as well as with other musicians. The recording process for this album has served the ambitious production approach, hence with mostly individual lines or solos recorded by one musician at a time. But for instance, the last track Kandinsky is a live free improvisation with one of my closest collaborators over one of Kandinsky’s famous paintings. So, again, I’m very flexible towards which approach to take. My next recording may involve many more live recordings.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I’ve got a few bands I’m planning to gig with, including my own band and my own solo acts. My next recorded work will probably come up next year as I’ve not started conceiving it yet; in the meantime, I’m already planning to record for or with other artists, so stay tuned!
You’re from Bristol. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
Bristol is a very creative city bursting with artistic talent. At the moment it’s probably the number one place where I should be, as it offers many opportunities for meeting other artists and performing. While the music industry is of course not as big as London’s, I would say it’s one of the most artistically dense places in the world at the moment.
Do you have any tour dates lined up?
I’ve not planned a tour yet, although with my band we’ve got a debut gig scheduled for 11th July at the Gallimaufry, Bristol. I’ve also got many other dates with my other projects in the Bristol area and at festivals.
Any last words for the fans?
Thanks for your engagement and support, it really means a lot as it keeps us alive and productive! Have a look around for the most adventurous, independent and creative artists, they are usually buried by mainstream content and platforms but they are really a precious resource for humanity that needs to be acknowledged and supported.