Patrizio Buanne

Italian star Patrizio Buanne is being advertised as most likely the next Michael Bublé. Yet when asked about the matter, he half-jokingly stated he wished to become more than the current big band crooner toast. He was aiming for someone bigger.

“I wanted to be the next Frank Sinatra or Julio Iglesias,” mused the linguist who is himself a global star. He recently chatted over the phone with the Manila Bulletin wherein he talked about his music, his quest for recognition, and his view of Filipinos.

Patrizio signed up with Warner Music to record an album with big-time producer Humberto Gatica. The album is touted to be a collection of his interpretations of Italian and American classics, along with new compositions.

The exceptionally talented singer already dropped by Manila and met a number of hospitable Filipinos including Ricky Reyes whom he found so admirable. He recalled, “I’ve been to the Philippines and I love the people there. They’re very good singers. Ricky became a friend and he was very, very nice. We had a lot of fun and he made me feel like I’m home.”

He is bound to have a return trip to the country and promote his music, though no big concert schedule here yet.

Patrizio scored his first radio in the US with his version of Robbie Williams’ “Angels.” His internationally released debut album, “The Italian,” was done and mastered at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. He had the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for accompaniment, as the album reached the top 10 of the pop charts in UK when it was released in 2005.

“It’s really about making music. That’s what I like best and that what made me successful,” he stressed.

His gift for music became evident as early as when he was four. At age eight he got his first guitar and began joining talent contests three years later, winning all those he participated in.

When Patrizio was just 17, he performed on the occasion of the Papal Visit in Wroclaw, Poland. His singing of a half-Italian, half-Polish song was seen by 85,000 people and by the strength of that performance alone he got his first record deal.

He added, “I’m happy I’m allowed to be myself as a musician. I notice that when you work hard, they’d respect you and that serves as my inspiration. My music comes from my heart.”

In October 2006, Patrizio performed in front of former US President George W. Bush for the prestigious NIAF gala in Washington.