American vocalist Ashley Pezzotti will soon be touring Romania alongside pianist Sorin Zlat. The first concert will take place tomorrow at the Ploiesti Jazz Festival, featuring the Ploiesti Jazz Trio, which includes Sorin Zlat. This will be followed by performances by the Sorin Zlat Trio in Bacau, at the Municipal Theatre on November 2^nd, in Galati, at the Jazz Society Club on November 3^rd and lastly in Bucharest at the Elisabeta Theatre, on November 4^th from 7 PM. I conducted an interview with Ashley Pezzotti ahead of her tour in Romania.

How did you meet Sorin Zlat?

I think it happened during the pandemic. It was like we were living in an alternative universe back then. We found each other through the connections we had on the Internet.

What drew you to his performance style?

What I value most in musicians, not just pianists, is for them to be good listeners and to react spontaneously to what the rest of the band is performing. I believe that Sorin does this very important thing really well. Every time I look for someone to collaborate with I want to make sure that they listen to what is being played and that there is communication between the people on stage.

What do you know about the other musicians in the band? In fact, you will be performing with two different lineups.

Honestly, I can't wait to meet them, as we haven't met yet. We will see how it goes once we meet face to face.

Ashley, what do you consider to be the most important achievements of your career so far?

I recently was a semi-finalist in the international vocal jazz competition organised by the Herbie Hancock Institute, which took place in Paris. That was actually my first time ever visiting Paris. Only eleven vocalists from around the world were selected, so it was a very special experience for me. I also collaborate quite frequently with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra; I've contributed to three of their albums. The first album I recorded with them is "The Every Funky Low Down", followed by "Big Band Holidays III" and "Everything Changes", which was released recently; I even took part in the promotional tour. I will go back on tour in April with Jazz at Lincon Center Orchestra, where we will be performing songs off "The Every Funky Low Down". However, I have yet to accomplish what is most important to me, that being writing new songs and releasing a solo album. It hasn't happened yet, but I'm really looking forward to doing it.

How do you describe your music?

That is a question I find really difficult to answer. I think art and music change depending on who is listening to it. I would prefer for people to listen to my work and, perhaps, form their own opinions in doing so.

You will be performing with Sorin Zlat in very different contexts: a festival held at the Philharmonic in Ploiesti, a jazz club in Galati, two theaters in Bacau, Sorin Zlat's hometown and the Elisabeta Theatre in Bucharest. What expectations do you have from this soon-to-begin tour?

I'm excited to come to Romania, as this is my first time visiting the country. I can't wait to meet the musicians from the band, but what I love most is meeting with fans after concerts and speaking to them. I'm certain every region has its own cuisine, and I'm exited to taste some delicious Romanian food. I travel a lot, and I believe you can learn meaningful things about a culture through its food and, of course, through its music. Discovering these cities and engaging with the local people and culture - I think all of that will be a truly exciting experience.