We are pleased to announce drummer Diego Voglino as our next featured artist to Chat with the Cats.
Where did you grow up? Did you grow up around music/jazz? Do you have any familial experiences with music?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My family immigrated to Los Angeles, when I was three months old. My father was a very good classical pianist and my step-mom was a working freelance pianist/keyboardist in the L.A. area during the mid-seventies. Our garage had been converted into a rehearsal space and many bands, often made up of really good working musicians, rehearsed there regularly.
When (if ever) did you have a lightbulb moment that this could be a career rather than a hobby?
I had a natural aptitude for the drums. My close grade school friend had a drum set and we used to play along to rock and soul records. By the time I was in high school, my family had moved to Phoenix, Arizona. I had a few friends who were musicians, but by that time it had been three years since I last played the drums.
At one point, a couple of friends had lamented that they needed a drummer to form a band. I told them I could play, but they didn’t believe me.
They took me over to a mutual friend's house which had a garage full of instruments. We started playing a ZZ Top song. They were shocked and wondered why I hadn’t mentioned that I played drums sooner. It was at that exact moment that I knew I would be a professional musician. I was fifteen years old.
It would be a few more years before I heard Freddie Hubbard's album Backlash. That inspired me to learn about jazz. And to this day it’s an ongoing process.
Tell us a little about your interest in swimming
I’m a rabid, I mean avid :) open water swimmer. As of this writing, I have open water swam for 1170 straight days. I have even managed to coordinate swims when I’ve been on the road. This will be my fourth winter, and I swim without a wetsuit. There is a sizable group of swimmers that do this year-round. We gather at Brighton Beach every morning. I started during covid and I highly recommend open water swimming for many reasons, especially in the winter. It has changed my life in a very profound and meaningful way.
You moved here in '99 - What have been the major changes to the city and scene in the last 24 years? How would you compare the NYC jazz scene to other places you have played?
Wow, so much has changed. I wouldn’t know where to begin. The cost of living would be one major area. The other might be what I would describe as the over-corporatization of many aspects of our lives in the city. It’s almost inescapable. To me, jazz and music in general in NYC is like no other place I’ve lived or worked. There is a certain degree of community and openness that in my opinion, is unique to NYC. The determination and resolve of musicians, and dedicated artists in general is amazing. No matter what obstacles we’re faced with, we all seem to find a way to persevere and do what we love. Always moving forward!
Tell us about Bar Bayeux and how the weekly set came to be - how would you describe Tuesday nights?
Jeremy, Harriett, and the entire extended family at Bar Bayeux are incredible. A welcoming environment with a focus on jazz and inclusivity makes it a very special place.I had been running a session at another venue in Brooklyn. When that came to an end I approached Jeremy with the idea of starting a session at Bayeux on Tuesday nights. It’s now been close to four years, and it has become a very popular destination for musicians and civilians alike. I also prepare a large pot of complimentary rice and beans, as well as brownies each week. People seem to really love that, too. We’re communicating through music, food, and the spirit of positivity. Something that is much needed in today's world.
Anything you want to promote - album, tour?
Nothing else really to promote. Just come visit and help support Bar Bayeux! In turn that not only helps support the performing musicians, but also those in attendance who get to hear and interact with world-class musicians.
Thoughts on KEYED UP! and promotion in general of jazz in NYC and beyond?
On the subject of KEYED UP!, I can’t really say enough. Without the generous and continuing support of all the benefactors and staff, places like Bar Bayeux would not be able to present the quality and level of music they do. It’s absolutely invaluable in every sense. I also would love to give a special shout-out to my badass bass-playing brother, Rob Duguay! Without his tireless efforts, none of this would exist.
(Photo credit Kyra Kverno)