An Interview with Giovanni from Giovanni Live From Las Vegas

APT recently spoke to famous Las Vegas perfomer Giovanni about his upcoming special.

Q: Tell us about Giovanni Live From Las Vegas. What can audiences expect from this performance?

A: The performance was filmed on October 8, 2002, at the MGM Grand hotel, in Las Vegas. The audience can expect a lot of original music - popular songs, movie themes, jazz and Latin. When I perform in concert, I always make sure I have an assortment of different musical styles to offer my audience. They will hear everything from romantic ballads, to fiery rhythms.

Q: For audiences who are not familiar with your performances or only know a little bit about you, how would you best describe your style?

A: My style comes from the passion I have for the music and I want my audience to feel this passion. I deeply love all forms of music. When I play jazz, I become a jazz player. If I play classical, I try to be true to the composer but with my own variations and interpretation. I guess I might say that my style is cosmopolitan, romantic with some fire and passion thrown in.

Q: Did you do anything differently that you don't normally do in your live performances?

A: I think I wore more makeup! Just kidding. But to be very honest with you, all of my performances are very well planned and thought out as far as the music is concerned. I have to make sure that it flows right - that I do not play one ballad after another. If you don't have the right rhythm, the right timing, just like comedy, you might lose the attention of the people. So, I don't think so, everything comes out naturally. I think that what people see in this special, is what people will expect to see when I perform live.

Q: Giovanni, you began playing piano at an early age. How much influence did your father, who's a musician and composer, have on you?

A: Everything. I would say up to today, everything. My father was an amazing man. He almost predicted the future. He used to say things to me when I was very young - 'One day when you are 12 or 18 or 32, you will ask this question or that question, so keep in mind that this is the answer. And he would tell me…prepare me. If you don't do this or that now, you'll regret it later. And he impressed me so much with his incredible musical skills. When I watched him perform in concert or play his trumpet and have all these celebrities look up at him, that really caught my attention at an early age. I adored my dad.

Q: I heard that Frank Sinatra was your mentor. How did he help to further your career in Las Vegas?

A: Well, you have to understand I had recently come to America and I knew the name Frank Sinatra - but had no idea who he really was. When I was hired at Caesar's Palace, he was in charge of entertainment at that time. So, he came to listen to me play one night and I think he kind of liked me and adopted me in a way. He would come and listen to me all the time with all these people. He would not have a private party unless I was there to play or be there, and I had that relationship with him for over 10 years. He got a kick out of me not responding to him like everybody else did. I'm a movie buff, so I was very excited when I met Captain Kirk or Spock or James Bond because I grew up with these people. But with Frank Sinatra, to me he was just another guy. I think he liked that. One time he told me, 'If I found a way to be here today, I'm sure you'll find a way.

Q: What do you like best about performing? What would you say is your favorite thing?

A: It's the people. To see the reaction of the fans and the friends is just an incredible sensation!

Q: What would your experience have been like if you had chosen to perform in Italy instead of America? Do you think America had more to offer to you than Italy?

A: America is to me, the best country in the universe. There is no other country in the world that can give you the opportunity to realize your goals. That is why I came here, because it is a place where you can conquer anything if you put your mind to it and work hard. Î am forever grateful for the opportunities I've been given.