Exclusive interview with Almer Imamovic and Jessica Pierce members of Alma Nova duo appearing live worldwide on Gosh!Radio (www.goshradio.com) from 10am to 11am PST, August 18th, 2012
AlmaNova
By Gabrielle Pantera
Hollywood, CA (Gosh!Radio) 2012-8/14 – “So far the most amazing thing was seeing one of our songs on the same CD as U2 and Pavarotti,” says Alma Nova flutist Jessica Pierce. “Almer’s song Stani Draga was featured in the film written and directed by Angelina Jolie, In the Land of Blood and Honey. It was an honor to be involved with such an important film and to be included on a soundtrack next to such great artists!”
The AlmaNova duo consists of flutist Jessica Pierce and Almer Imamovic guitarist. Currently the duo is based in Los Angeles. Pierce is originally from Northern California and Imamovic is originally from Bosnia.
Musical Influences
“Although the music itself is very different compositionally and stylistically, one of our greatest influences is Astor Piazzolla,” says Alma Nova guitarist Almer Imamovic. “We look up to this great artist and admire how he brought his traditional music from Argentina, the Tango, to the four front of classical music. This is what we strive to achieve with our Balkan inspired works and with our interpretations of traditional Bosnian Sevdalinka.”
The duo met in 1999 in Paris.“We were both students at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris,” says Pierce. “We began playing seriously in 2006 when we recorded our first CD, Debut. We are both classical musicians. Almer’s compositions reflect his many influences that range from world music, rock, jazz, pop, and most importantly, the music from his homeland of Bosnia and its surrounding countries.”
Imamovic says he would love to perform someday with Sting. “He is such an innovative artist who is constantly educating himself and exploring new music genres and ideas. He is a consummate musician and seems to be a very interesting person who appreciates all kinds of music.”
Songwriting
“Yes, Almer writes his own music,” says Pierce. “It usually begins with a small idea on the guitar and just evolves from there. Nothing is ever written out at first.” Pierce learns it by ear.
“Every song has some sort of story or inspiration behind it,” says Pierce. “That’s where the creativity stems from. Almer is inspired or moved by a particular circumstance, event or person…then the music just flows.”
Alma Nova’s most popular song is Sarajevo Nights. “So many images come to mind when one thinks of the beautiful city Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” says Imamovic. “In 1984 Sarajevo was the proud host of the Winter Olympic Games. Just ten short years later Sarajevo was under siege. Now, the resilient city and its people are trying to recapture their soul and make up for lost time. I wanted to express this spirit of Sarajevo through this piece. Walking through Bascarsija…the old city, eating pita and drinking yogurt, hanging out with friends in the quaint cafes…these are all images I have when I think of Sarajevo.”
Albums
Alma nova released Journey a month ago. They are currently working on songs to release additional songs to be added to their existing Christmas album. Other albums that the duo has released are: Debut, Classic Giuliani and After Hours.
Imamovic’s solo albums are: Stani Draga, Life In Reverse, and The Sarajevo Sessions.
Live Performances
Alma Nova has performed at National Theatre of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Disney Hall, Theatre du Naples in Paris, Bolivar Hall in London, Nobel Hall in Stockholm.
Distribution
Albums on iTunes and Amazon.com
Upcoming Performances
- September 29th South Pasadena Public Library Benefit Concert South Pasadena, CA 7:00pm
- October 11th Recital at Laguna Art Museum Laguna Beach, CA 7:00pm
- October 19th AlmaNova in Concert-Walker Auditorium (first floor) Davis Building @ Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL 12:00pm
- October 20th AlmaNova in Concert Jacksonville, FL TBA
- November 10 Recital at Agoura Hills Public Library Agoura Hills, CA 3:00pm
- December 7th Bach’s Lunch at Trinity Manhattan Beach, CA 12:00pm
AlmaNova Duo online
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