On several visits to Gothenburg during 2015 I noticed a Roma street musician that was (and is) beyond the usual. I always stopped, enjoyed, smiled, and gave some money as a token of appreciation. The man in question played with such enthusiasm that it was apparent that he was enjoying it and that he existed (and still does) in perfect union with music. Those kinds of mini-transcendental moments are very rare in our anemic culture and therefore extra precious.
When going back to Stockholm I always thought that it would be amazing to make a short film with this musical man. I was unsure if it was in any way possible to capture his enthusiasm or energy but I felt that it was certainly worth a try.
I asked my wonderful friend Elisabeth Punzi if she could help out, being a Gothenburgian and also speaking Italian (which is fairly close to Roma renderings of Romanian, or vice versa). During my coming visits we tried but failed. Paolo was either gone or not able to synch. But after the film’s title had emerged in my head I just knew I had to persevere: Paolo knocks my socks off with some evergreens. And as that focus and crystallization appeared, so did Paolo.
In the early autumn of 2015, we managed to set up a recording of Paolo performing some of his favorite tunes. And so it was done. I’m very happy with the film, as it, for me, manages to display the playful brilliance and intensity of this eclectic performer in a loving and appreciative way.
I would like to thank Paolo, Elisabeth Punzi, Andrew M McKenzie, Joachim Nordwall and Henrik Rylander for helping out in this little adventure.
Enjoy the film!
Paolo knocks my socks off with some evergreens from Carl Abrahamsson on Vimeo.
