7 Virtual Jazz Club (7VJC) has been encouraging musicians from all over the world to participate in their talent contest, a contest that, thankfully, continues to ignore borders or boundaries. The contest had its roots in Italy when two people passionate about jazz, Valerio Pappi and Giorgia Stefania Gabetto, founded it back in 2016. Originally an annual event, they expanded to two editions per year in 2018 yet remained dedicated to the continued “support of jazz and beyond jazz music in all its forms.” Their goal was to promote “top quality jazz performances and to discover improvised music talents, through a virtual platform.” A unique aspect to the contest is that the duo created a carefully curated group of judges where “entries will be judged by a panel of 40 international jazz experts including respected journalists, musicians and educators.” In any given year, music professionals from Italy, Belgium, the UK, Australia, Argentina, the United States and many more countries have participated.
2024 marks the beginning of the 11th edition as the music contest expanded to all musical genres, not just jazz. Categories include over 30 different styles of music including swing, gospel, bebop plus R&B, hip hop, classical and more. There are no age restrictions with categories for both ‘Under 30’ and ‘Over 30.’ Regardless of genre, improvisation remains at the core of the music 7VJC strives to support. To participate, artists simply submit a video performance and both original and non-original pieces are accepted. As with the judges, artistic submissions have also come from a wide variety of countries thus making the contest a truly global event. Prizes and awards include performance bookings, workshops, artistic consulting and more.
But one of the greatest advantages is the international exposure all the contestants receive since so many of them are skilled musicians and, by nature of the voting, those who score the highest are truly worthy of international exposure. The winners for 2024, Mauro Sigura and Antonio Bonazzo, for example, are stunning ‘A-list’ artists. Sigura’s 2020 release featured him on oud (joined by a trumpeter and pianist) while his 2023 release went without those musicians and occasionally added more electric ‘pop’ and ‘modern’ textures. The oud, by nature of its Middle Eastern origins, continues to pay homage to the musically esoteric aspects of the Mediterranean region. But they also stretch out with selections such as “La Danza Di Amarech” as they go ‘Jeff Beck electric’ via guitar while vocals sneak into the following track. There’s an emotional, tranquil moment on “Song for Marina” while, at the end of the disc, Sigura guides the listener into a serene, weightless journey into an outer darkness of peace.
As for Antonio Bonazzo, the other 2024 winner, he leads a group that goes by the name AB Quartet. It’s a study in sophisticated, creative jazz and weaves touches of Middle Eastern and North African into many of the selections. Bonazzo guides the group from the piano but he never attempts to dominate as each member carries equal responsibility resulting in equal rewards for the artist and the listener. The group may chart individual paths of improvisation but they remain united as well. Francesco Chiapperini instrument of choice on the Do Ut Des album is the clarinet. He style is often closer to a subtle mix of Eastern European meets Middle Eastern instead of the glory days of US Big Bands from the 1920s – 1940s yet many of the selections still reveal a ‘jazz soul.’ Several pieces are pensive and inquisitive while a few delve into a slightly free form jazz. Ultimately, the notes Bonazzo coxes from his piano are crystal clear like many of the waters off the coast of his native Italy. Add Cristiano Da Ros on bass and Fabrizio Carriero on drums and percussion and you have a cast of equals.
Since 7VJC is inviting more diverse musicians to participate in the contest and are casting a wider net for 2025, there’s certainly changes on the horizon. The deadline for this year is close (9/27/24) and you can still learn more on the web site. If you’re seeing this after the cut off for 2025, there’s always the next contest.
[Scott Gudell]
[Editors Note: Scott Gudell is a music historian and writes for international web sites and magazines such as ALL ABOUT JAZZ, MODERN DRUMMER, regional publication in New York State and more. [email protected]]
