how many times I saw the moon
matteo paggi solo project
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“We travel like all people, but we return to nowhere.”
— Mahmoud Darwish
During a migratory journey, many things change along the way: language, landscape, weather, and one’s sense of self. There are others, however, that remain the same, and in this sound performance they are symbolized by the Moon.
The same moon shines in the eyes of those who migrate, but also in those of those who have stayed home waiting for them—if they ever return. Looking at it is like catching a glimpse of a reflection of home, not because the home still exists, but because the gaze recognizes it.
“How many times I saw the moon” stems from this image: something still that accompanies continuous movement.
The combination of trombone, electronics, vocals, and guitar translates this state into sound. There are dark, unstable, and at times unsettling timbres, like the uncertainty of the journey. Dynamic and rhythmic moments that evoke walking, crossing, and persevering. And moments that lull the listener into deep, nostalgic feelings. A slow, soothing rhythm.
The music is born from and inspired by the imaginary drama of a man who, coming from a state of stability and belonging, suddenly finds his world turned upside down. Forced to leave behind the people he loves and everything he knows, he embarks on a journey in search of a better reality, thus becoming a migrant.
Matteo Paggi, who trained in Amsterdam and lives in Paris (trombonist who performs alongside Enrico Rava in the Fearless Five and is the winner of the Top Jazz 2025 award). In this project, he brings together all of his experiences: instant composing, contemporary music, classical music, the exploration of sounds, spatiality, and acoustics, and his knowledge of electronic music—combining them into a work that fully expresses his artistic diversity and his consistently unconventional, forward-looking visions.
“Since my first encounter with Trombonist Matteo Paggi, I was impressed with his Sound and Musicianship. He has Passion and Love in his Music that is Inspired and Inspiring”.
Joe Lovano
“In Matteo Paggi, one glimpses the rare spark of creative genius, a soul born for music. His playing is a tapestry of enchantment, where each note feels both discovered and destined. With effortless grace, he traverses styles as a bird crosses skies, unbound, unburdened, guided by an inner light. There is mystery in his phrasing, fire in his silence, and poetry in his touch. He is not merely a promise for the future: he is already a voice the future will remember"
Gidon Kremer
“Not only is Matteo Paggi an exciting new voice on the trombone, he is also a musician whose stylistic scope and breadth of curiosity enable him to shine in multiple settings, captivating listeners with musical ideas consistently unexpected and richly imaginative."
David Lewis
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