Bio
Lorenzo Buhne, an Italian musician who now lives in Wellington, New Zealand, recently became the first official Musician in Residence at the Studios of Key West. Buhne’s artistic past crosses many genres, from 1980’s American punk rock to 16th Century Italian ballads. He has recently put the finishing touches on his second CD, Bon Giorno, which was recorded in the Southern Hemisphere and mastered in Los Angeles.
Born in Italy, Buhne’s family migrated to Sydney, Australia when he was a teenager. There he learned bass guitar, and toured extensively throughout Australia, Vietnam and Singapore. After moving to Los Angeles in 1976, he played with legendary punk bands FEAR and The Dickies, performing on bills with such notable acts as Devo, Jane's Addiction, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iggy Pop, The Ramones, Green Day, Tiny Tim and many more. His various bands and solo work have made the top 10 charts in Japan, England, and Argentina. And Buhne has also composed songs for Hollywood films, a ballet, an art installation, and has more recently turned his attention to producing.
After moving to New Zealand in 2003, Buhne began exploring old Italian and Neapolitan folk songs, and recorded the solo album, Sotto Sopra. That modern record incorporated pop, rock, sampled beats, as well as mandolins, strings, primitive Mediterranean instruments, and Italian lyrics composed by his father.
About the Songs....
Tu Si Na Cosa Grande
The title humorously and literally translated is “You are a large thing.”
Of course it’s his love for her that’s large. A beautiful song by Domenico Modugno and a huge hit from 1964.
Nebbia
My father does not play an instrument but this doesn’t stop him from writing songs.
When it was time for me to go to bed, or if I needed comfort, he would cradle me in his arms and sing “Nebbia” until I’d fall asleep. This song is within me and I’m happy to have finally recorded it.
Buon Giorno
When Nico was born I greeted him by saying Buon Giorno! This song has a traditional Neapolitan feel, and is recorded largely with toy instruments. Buon Giorno means “Good Morning!” and is about singing, playing and dancing and to make some noise, to celebrate life and death whenever possible. This song is dedicated to both Cav. Remiro Bresolin and my son Nico.
Mina
…is a girl who is hot and dangerous, a bandit and a lover. A femme fatale.
San Valentino
When I visit my father we hug and he says “here” and hands me his latest poem.
While I was reading it for the first time, I stopped, grabbed his guitar and began singing. This track was recorded the following day.
Egli & Il Fantasma
When I visit with my brother Paolo he also says “here” and hands me his latest poems. Egli and Il Fantasma are similar in their view that “the world is at the doorstep of doom,” though Egli is humorous, and Il Fantasma is bleak and cold.
Federico’s Caper
Federico is a bit of a prankster. Fun to be with, spiritually satisfying and always up to something. Dedicated to FDL.
Tu
Tu is the song I identify with most. The lyrics are of a traveler who searches the world over, finally finding the one to love.
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