ABOUT THE MUSIC: DISSOLUTION

Gianluca uses the word "Dissolution" to describe the breaking down of a multitude of different aspects into one uniform artwork. Everything; from learning Beatles tunes with his dad, to playing bass in the orchestra, to studying Hermeto Pascoal with his teacher or making beats with his friends. There’s jazz in the interactions, there’s RnB in the groove, there’s gospel in the harmony, and there’s classical in the flow.

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This album, though unthought-of at the time, began at the start of post-secondary, where Gianluca was able to surround himself with brilliant, high-caliber musicians who transformed jot-down sketches into viable compositions. With drummer Jacob Lee, every day had an improvised jam session, spawning many of the motifs heard on this album. Live gigs with Jamie Wells brought ideas to life and provided new perspectives. The trio, with Jacob Lee and Jordan Pelunsky, workshopped these compositions through revision after revision, always willing to play the next. Forever, it is the spontaneous interactions and collaborative nature; the dissolution of perspectives and experiences across musicians and individuals, that brings this music to life. 

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By the second year of post-secondary, after performing his compositions for months and gathering a repertoire of dozens of original tunes, it was clear for Gianluca that it was time to record. The vision quickly came together; a selection of the thirteen strongest pieces, each serving as a movement within an intentional suite from start to finish. The finishing touches came to each selection, now with a stronger focus on the message of the album and the story behind every moment. 

With great pride in the music, Gianluca sought after a missing piece to push his limits and elevate this project further, paving the way for a leap forward in his musical career. This piece would be Larnell Lewis; perhaps the greatest drummer on the planet, a longtime inspiration and friend to the Occhipinti. Larnell, a master, who rarely accepts recording sessions, let alone for nineteen year-olds, put forward his trust and faith in the music and gave it his all. The recording experience was a lifelong lesson filled with humility and gratitude. The second session featured a drummer on another side of the spectrum; a wizard by the name of Jinu Isac. Jinu, who had been on Gianluca's radar for a while, brought a blazing and unique energy to the music, creating unforgettable moments. Throughout all of this, Jordan Pelunsky served as a rock to the music, with an exceptionally thorough understanding, and surpassing all expectations. Beyond the musicians, the ease of working with engineer Ross Hayes Citrullo, and the advisory from Jeremy Ledbetter and Roberto and Michael Occhipinti, allowed Dissolution to be what it is.

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Everyone involved in this album has put themselves forward in a way that has allowed Gianluca to operate at his very best. The kindness of every single person throughout the journey has created this incredible work of art, and most importantly, given Gianluca the tools to make the next record even better. The outstanding support from everyone, whether close family or online listener, has more than certainly motivated countless projects to come.