Zucchero Teases Fans With Knowledge Of An Album's Worth Of Unreleased Music

"I am always soaking in the local atmosphere and taking, in my mind, notes for forthcoming songs," Italian troubadour Zucchero Fornaciari tells us. Many of the songs on the Black Cat album were inspired by his tour of the Southern States, as well as current affairs. The November 2015 Paris attacks became the major inspiration for the track Streets Of Surrender, on which he collaborated with Bono and Mark Knopfler. "Bono and myself were speaking after the very sad events in Paris and Bono had the song lyrics in mind. I wrote the music and we made it happen."

Zucchero has been around the block a few times and nothing shows that more than his prolific collaboration history. When asked if anyone in particular has had an indelible effect on his career, he struggles to narrow the list down to less than six names. "My collaborations have been incredible - Miles Davis was amazing. I can also pick out Sting, John Lee Hooker, Brian May, Andrea Bocelli and of course the amazing Luciano Pavarotti."

On performing down under, Zucchero says he is very excited for the chance to perform at the Sydney Opera House. "It is an amazing iconic building and it gives me tremendous excitement to have the honour to perform there." The album he will be performing at the hallowed venue, Black Cat, took an interesting route in the development stage. Zucchero gave seven different songs to each of the album's three producers. Of the total 21 songs, only 12 made it into the final album.

When asked if the nine remaining tracks will ever be released officially, he becomes elusive. "Possibly, I haven't decided yet. We will see." Zucchero remains tight-lipped, but leaves open the possibility of seeing the tracks performed on tour. "Not in my current set, but I always play an extra song, a different song every night, so maybe!"