Photo Credit: Nadia Pastorcich
Course Studied: BA Jazz
Year of Graduation: 2013
Top Career Highlights:
- Touring as part of the support band for two of the most popular Italian comedians and actors - Massimo Lopez and Tullio Solenghi. We have performed in over 200 concerts in theatres across Italy
- Receiving the ‘Best Music’ award for the original soundtrack I composed for short movie ‘Voices’ by Alberto Nacci at the Experimental Music Video Festival in Toronto, 2018
- Receiving first prize in the ‘Songwriting’ category of the prestigious “Premio Lelio Luttazzi” (Lelio Luttazzi Prize) programme for my composition ‘Scheletri a Ballare’
Earlier this year, Jazz graduate Caterina Comeglio received the award for ‘Best Songwriting’ as part of the Premio Lelio Luttazzi (Lelio Luttazzi Prize) in Italy. Her winning composition ‘Scheletri a Ballare’ (Skeletons Out to Dance) tackles the themes of jealousy and suspicion in love. Caterina performed the song and collected her award at the Casa del Jazz in Rome.
Caterina subsequently travelled to Los Angeles to record the song at the prestigious Capitol Studios, accompanied by Grammy-award winning saxophonist Bob Mintzer’s big band. The big band line-up also featured highly acclaimed musicians such as Bob Sheppard, Brian Scanlon and Bob McChesney. As testament to Caterina’s strong musical upbringing, the adaptation and arrangement for big band was written by Caterina’s father – Gabriele Comeglio.
Alongside a busy performance schedule, Caterina also runs two jazz northern Italian jazz festivals - A Vigevano Jazz and Garbagnate in Jazz, and works as co-director for the Garbagnate Music Academy in Milan.
What was your earliest musical experience?
My father is a professional musician (alto player), arranger, composer and big band leader, so music and jazz in particular has always been part of my life. As a child I always knew I had a flare for being on a stage, as I trained in ballet and acting. However, it eventually became clear that my strongest interest was in singing and specifically jazz. I started performing with my dad's big band when I was 16. Then, when I finished secondary school I decided to move to the UK to study jazz.
What attracted you to studying in Leeds and what do you think of the musical community here?
Right from the day I came to Leeds for my audition, I instantly felt a great atmosphere at the conservatoire. All the musicians I have met over the years have been incredibly welcoming and willing to play in each other's bands and projects - creating a real sense of sharing and collaboration, which I believe to be fundamental to a thriving artistic environment.
Could you briefly tell us a little bit about your career to date?
I have experienced the real, full-on touring life of a musician: performing in 6 - 7 shows a week, travelling daily by car/train or plane, packing and unpacking every morning, having a different room number every day... alongside the great feeling of performing every night to a full audience. I have also pursued my passion for writing my own music, as evidenced by my recent composition and award-win.
How did studying for a degree in Music at Leeds Conservatoire prepare you for your current career?
The best thing about studying at Leeds Conservatoire was the possibility of collaborating with students from other departments, and being involved in different musical contexts - not just the genre or interest from your own course. This training in versatility is exactly what current musicians need to be able to do: the ability to adapt to as many different musical situations as possible. Moreover, the course content and modules accessible to each student had an incredible variety, which was really beneficial. I have also been supported by great teachers that, while providing us students with the necessary musical knowledge, also encouraged us to pursue our own musical paths and interest.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their 'foot in the door' in the industry you're in?
Make sure that what you release is always the best you can produce musically; surround yourself with people that are better than you and that can help take you to the next level; take care, nurture and follow through your own projects as if they were a living thing.
What's coming up next for you in terms of projects, releases or tours?
I am currently working on my next music video production, for another one of my original songs and in late 2019 I will be back on the road for the third year of the ‘Lopez & Solenghi Show’, which means performing in roughly 100 concerts between November 2019 and April 2020.
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