Interview      

Posted answers in bio format:

Like many musicians I took up my artistry being very young. When I was eight I started studying music and as soon as I was able to read music and play the piano I joined my first band in the 70’s when I was fourteen. Since then I have played either with groups or as a soloist, but about fifteen years ago I began to compose and arrange music for myself and for other artists, so at the same time I made up my mind to play  solo.     

Musically I would describe my sound like instrumental relaxing music, which includes international melodies as well as rhythms from very different countries composed for piano and orchestra. 

My parents were both artists (my father was a poet and my mother a dancer) and especially my mother influenced me to take up my musical studies.    

I have always been strongly influenced by great talented soundtrack composers such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone, John Barry, etc.

Up to the moment I have released six CDs included the last one entitled “Solo para tí” and –as far as I know- they have been well received, of course by people who like and search for this genre.

I consider all my songs like my own children, that is why it is difficult for me to have a favourite one.

Being an unsigned artist I don’t usually tour to promote my CDs.

I usually perform solo, even when my compositions are created to be performed  with piano and orchestra.

At present, I am listening to offers coming from Grand Hotels, Casinos, etc for this season.

Someone who attends one of my shows would have the opportunity to listen to music from many different countries, including singers and dancers.

I am used to traveling so whenever it is necessary I am ready to perform outside my hometown. 

During a short stay in the USA (Pennsylvania) I met a nice Spanish couple who ran an important restaurant and they invited me to play ambient music during the dinner on a Saturday night. To my surprise, when I arrived, there was a big notice at the entrance which said: “ Tonight’s show: Duke Ellington and his orchestra”. I was really shocked but it was a nice experience because during one of my breaks Mr. Ellington and I shared the dressing room, and he was very kind to me, and even made a joke and invited me to sit at the piano and play with his orchestra. Of course I didn’t dare to do it, because I was too young and inexperienced to replace even for a second such a big star.

Concerning the indie music scene I think that there are thousands of really talented artists all over the world who are fighting to be discovered and of course the same happens in Spain where I live.

I am still waiting for the highlight of my career, and I hope it will come soon.

I haven’t got any big goals. It would be enough for me to know that at least one of my songs is a little bit known in or outside of my country.

I enjoy going to the movies and trying to guess the name of the composer of the soundtrack before his name comes on the screen. I also like reading, listening to music and being together with people from whom I can learn every time a little.I like being with my family and dogs and talking about everything.

The best piece of advice I have ever had is never to give up fighting since any time the opportunity could knock at my door.  

Everybody who would like to find more about me can visit the following addresses:

http://www.soundclick.com/josemariaporto    or  http://www.joseporto.com.ar