Paolo Rustichelli: Neopagan

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Whether he's composing scores for films in his native Italy, recording albums with jazz and rock legends or--as on his latest independent CD, "Neopagan, " set for release August 15--creating every single melodic and funky sound himself, Paolo Rustichelli always brings a touch of the spiritual-mystical to his creative experience. In the 90s, the Roman born musician balanced his busy scoring career--which includes over 100 Italian films since the early 70s, in addition to the U.S. made "Gunshy" and "Double Exposure"--with two incredible jazz oriented projects, aptly titled "Mystic Jazz" (redubbed "Capri" for its Stateside release) and "Mystic Man."

The first, released in 1992, was not only the first Italian jazz-rock album to be released worldwide by Polygram Records, but also included one of the last recorded performances by legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, as well as appearances by jazz and rock icons Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Andy Summers and singer Jill Jones.

Rustichelli's powerful follow up recording, "Mystic Man"--a Top Ten Smooth jazz hit in 1997--included performances by Davis, Santana, Hancock, Summers and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, and spawned the popular radio single "Paisa."

"Choosing the title 'Neopagan' for the new project is a way of saying this is my path, this is my affection and deep love for planet earth, " Rustichelli adds. "'Neopagan' means that pagans are not just bizarre sorcerers or witches lost in the forest invoking the Gods, but they also can be normal human beings in love with the earth and trying to respect it. I want to communicate that despite any difference in spiritual beliefs, we are all in some ways on the same path."

In a remarkable marketing move for an independent artist, Rustichelli is releasing two versions of "Neopagan" at the same time--one for the Adult Contemporary audience with more vocals, another for the smooth jazz format with more instrumentals.

The first AC single will be the midtempo vocal "Momentum, " which is about experiencing the magic in what's happening now.

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