How long have you been collecting?
Since I was a kid! I’ve always loved vinyl as my big brothers were collectors, so I grew up with records in the house. They bought many different kind of sounds, so I had good introduction to the world of music.
I started buying records at fairs and flea markets all over Italy, at the time Internet wasn’t much of a thing at all. I actually started to listening to soul music after seeing the movie The Blues Brothers when I was teenager, this was my first introduction to the likes of James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Then after attending some soul nights in Italy and abroad, I started to look for soul records to play in some pubs in my area. Little by little I brought together some records of various genres, particularly Motown and Stax stuff but later some big Northern stompers, modern and funk.
Do you remember your first buy?
I don’t really remember, soul wise one of the earliest I recall finding was Al Wilson – The Snake on Liberty, (the Italian version) at a record fair
What’s your favourite record in your box?
There are many, it depends on the timing but two that I am particularly attached to are Four Below Zero – My Baby’s Got E.S.P on Roulette and Clarence Mann – Sadity Lady on Flower’s Records, which is also a favourite of my two little daughters, Elettra and Aurora.
Which record do you regret selling the most?
Thankfully, I’ve actually never sold a record.
What’s your fave all time soul club?
Over the years I’ve enjoyed lots of clubs across Italy and the wider continent. Some special mentions would have to go to the Rimini Soul Weekender, il Covo in Bologna, Allnighter Ducale in Parma, Black Trefoil in Genova, Hamburg Soul Weekender, Amsterdam Soul Night and of course some great nights/weekenders held Manchester.
If I have to choose one though, I’d have to go with Deep Cliffs Soul Weekender in the Algarve, Portugal
What’s your all time want?
It’s almost impossible to choose one, but at the moment I would say Bettye Swann – Time To Say Goodbye / When The Game Is Played On You on Atlantic or Aaron Neville – Hercules / Going Home on Mercury
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