Federico Girlando - Drums/Backing Vocals

Federico was Born in Gibellina, Sicily and was raised in Milan, North Italy before returning to his birth place, Sicily for his teenage life. He always had a great interest in music and performance and started his musical career at the tender age of 8 years old where he began vocal training techniques and Solfeggio in all keys. He performed in concerts with “Santa Cecilia” of Lecco in Milan and Rome then went on to study piano with E. Sollima, analyzing and interpreting the work of W.A.Mozart. He also followed an external piano program.

In 1999 Federico wanted a new musical challenge and began to study drums. Since Federico started his drumming career he has studied with professional artists and more recently has had private drum tuition from Neal Wilkinson (Van Morrison).

In 2000 he recorded the album ‘Libido’ with the band ‘Plastica’ and the album ‘Lu Cantu Anticu’ with the band ‘I Cantori del Belice’ and in 2001 recorded the album ‘Direzione’ with the band ‘Viadimezzo’, of which he toured with in Italy, under the signature of a contract with the label ‘Phonola’ (Alessandria).

In 2004 Federico took his career a step further and began working as a drummer for Costa Cruise Lines. He worked in the United States with big bands and international artists such as Van Presley (Ex Platters), Victoria Horne, John Ciotta (Tribute to Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin), Al Vega (Piano) Trio and Errol Dante.

After leaving the cruise ships Federico appeared with many varied artists and collaborated with many jazz musicians: Giuseppe Vasapolli, Carmelo Salemi, Domenico Cacciatore and Luciano Favara, Osvaldo Lo Iacono, Giovanni Buzzurro, Giacomo Buffa, Sade Mangiaracina, Alberto Aguzza and Angelo Di Marco, to mention a few.

In 2009 Federico graduated at Drumtech Music School (London) with a Master Performance, and at Trinity College of Music (London) with a Pro-Music Performance Licentiate (LMusTCL, NQF Level 6).

Federico has an encyclopaedic knowledge of music and can speak confidently about most genres.