From students to touring professionals: Maria Vittoria Benigni and Roberto Iadanza with Davide Shorty for the “New Form” tour.
From Saint Louis classrooms to major club stages, through an infectious energy that flows between rehearsals, arrangements and live performances. Maria Vittoria Benigni, bassist, and Roberto Iadanza, pianist, both alumni of Saint Louis academic courses, now share a new chapter in their musical journey: touring with Davide Shorty to present his album “New Form” live.
The meeting
Both met the Palermo singer-songwriter among Saint Louis classrooms during live events organized by the school. Maria Vittoria remembers an early encounter that took place on stage at a special event in which she played bass guitar, accompanying the children from the Ainé workshop.
In the set list were two pieces that Ainé was supposed to sing with Shorty: from two words exchanged backstage between her and Davide, who had immediately noticed her talent, a musical understanding was born that, after some time, turned into an unexpected phone call.
“A few months ago I received a call and, to my surprise, it was indeed him. He says, ‘May 21 at the Blue Note, do you want to?” he says, smiling.
Roberto also crossed Shorty’s path during a Saint Louis Live Performance in December 2022: “we spent 3 intense days rehearsing and preparing for the concert at the Flying Donkey together with Shorty and the other guys in the band, occasions that always help to create a good bond,” Roberto recalls. From there, more events and collaborations, until an ever-stronger friendship and professional harmony were solidified.
The tour with David Shorty
Now the stage awaits them, with an intense set list prepared in a short time. Still, the chemistry in the group seems to offset any pressure: “We found a good chemistry right away,” says Roberto. “It allowed us to experiment sonically and build a rich, stylistically engaging show.” Maria Vittoria confirms, “We have some good dates ahead, and the understanding in the group is not lacking!”
Davide Shorty’s repertoire offers different stimuli according to sensibilities: for Maria Vittoria, “Bla Bla Bla” is pure energy and fun, with a groove that invites movement and a lot of freedom of expression.
“It is a piece that makes me dance so much. The chords and the trend of the song leave a lot of room to create grooves, so playing it is also a lot of fun. You can feel Silvestri’s hand – he adds – and I also like the song “Being a Man,” with Robi’s live arrangement, very much.”
Roberto, on the other hand, is carried away by the more romantic side of Shorty’s writing: “Within the most recently released work, the tracks that involve me the most are ‘Tears of Happiness’ and ‘Beats in Words.’ But if you were to ask me my favorite song among his, the answer is clear. Compounded by the preciousness of the arrangement and the delicate but timely taste of the musicians, it is undoubtedly ‘Regina‘”.
