CEK AND THE STOMPERS

Cek Franceschetti the magnetic frontman of Cek and The Stompers, has been shaking up the blues scene with his raw, gritty vocals and electrifying stage presence. Hailing from Italy, Cek channels the soul of the Mississippi Delta through his powerful voice and masterful guitar work, blending traditional blues with a modern twist. His dynamic performances and undeniable charisma have earned the band a dedicated following across Europe, making them a standout act in the contemporary blues landscape. Here we catch up with hm to discuss various topics including the new release Mr Red.

WORDS: Colin Campbell PICS: Supplied

FROM CLASSIC ROCK TO THE BLUES

Cek’s musical journey began in his childhood home, filled with the sounds of American and British music. “Growing up, I listened to a lot of classic rock from England,” he recalls. Bands like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and the British blues from artists like John Mayall and Alexis Korner were staples in his household. But it didn’t stop there. His parents’ eclectic taste exposed him to a variety of genres, including jazz and reggae, shaping his early musical inclinations.

“My parents would always have music playing,” he says, reminiscing about the bebop of the 1940s and the soul-stirring voices of blues legends like Bessie Smith. This rich musical environment laid the foundation for his lifelong passion. It was at the age of 14 that he first picked up a guitar, setting him on a path that would eventually lead him to the heart of the blues.

DISCOVERING THE BLUES

Despite his initial love for classic rock, he soon found himself drawn deeper into the roots of the music he loved. “I started with English rock and blues from the 60s, but then I went back to discover the origins,” he explains. Artists like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters became his guiding lights. “I’d go out looking for their records,” he recalls fondly. It was this exploration that solidified his love for traditional blues.

As his passion grew, so did his record collection. “I’m kind of a freak, a blues lover. I have a good collection of records and attended many blues festivals since I was a kid,” he says with a laugh. “It’s my life; I love the blues.”

THE EVOLUTION OF A MUSICIAN

Cek’s early years in music were defined by his love for electric guitar and classic rock blues. “My first band played classic rock blues,” he says, describing his teenage years. However, as he matured as a musician, he began to explore new sounds. “During my early twenties, I moved to Brescia and started gigging everywhere,” he recounts. Over the next few decades, he played with numerous bands and toured extensively, but something was changing within him.

“In the last 12 or 13 years, I’ve really shifted towards traditional Delta blues,” he explains. This shift was not just about changing instruments but a deeper, more personal transformation. He traded his electric guitar for a resonator and a dobro, embracing slide guitar and open tunings. “I wanted to focus more on my voice and writing original songs,” he says, noting that this new direction has been more fulfilling.

FORMING CEK AND THE STOMPERS

Franceshetti’s transformation culminated in the formation of his newest band, Cek And The Stompers. “I’m very happy with them,” he says with pride. Together, they have been exploring a raw, authentic sound rooted in the blues but also infused with their unique energy. Their latest album, Mr Red marks a significant milestone for the band. “This is a band record,” Franceshetti emphasises. “We did a lot of pre-production at my house, and then we went into the studio in Brescia to record.” The process was intense but rewarding. “Luca Manenti, our guitar, and mandolin player produced the album. We had all the songs ready but changed a little bit in the studio. In just eight days, it was done.”

CREATING MR RED: A LABOUR OF LOVE

The making of the new release was a collaborative effort that showcased the band’s cohesion and creativity. “We did everything ourselves.” While they initially considered adding guest artists for backing vocals or a gospel choir, they ultimately decided to keep it within the band. “Once we were in the studio, we realised we could do it all,” he says proudly. The album not only captures the band’s authentic sound but also marks a new chapter in Franceshetti’s ongoing love affair with the blues.

THE ROAD TO GULF COAST RECORDS

For many musicians, landing a record deal is a dream come true, and for Cek Franceshetti, it was no different. His journey to signing with Gulf Coast Records, a respected name in the blues world, came about in a rather serendipitous way. “It happened two years ago,” Franceshetti begins, his voice filled with the kind of excitement that only a lifelong passion can bring. He had been invited to feature on an album by the Italian band Bad Blues Quartet. The producer of the album was Mike Zito. “Meeting Mike Zito was a turning point,” he recalls. Zito, a celebrated musician and producer, was immediately captivated by Franceshetti’s unique style and soulful recently completed with the help of producer Luca. He describes the circus as a place of joy and sadness, where people go to reflect on life’s ups and downs.

“The circus is a place where you can have fun, but it’s also a very sad place,” he says, reflecting on the melancholic image of clowns washing off their makeup and animals being led away. The song captures this bittersweet sentiment, with lyrics that tell of loneliness and a longing for something more, a theme that resonates deeply in his music.

LIVE PERFORMANCES AND EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION

When it comes to live performances, Franceshetti describes himself as “very emotional.” He loses himself in the music, allowing the blues to flow naturally without overthinking technique. “You have to let yourself go and let the blues flow out,” he insists. This raw, unfiltered expression is what makes his live shows so compelling. “I like writing my own songs and feeling them when I play,” he says, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his music.

With his band, Cek and the Stompers, Franceshetti finds a space where he can truly express himself. “It’s different when I play at weddings or clubs; I play famous songs,” he explains. “But with the Stompers, I can write and play in my own style of blues.” His influences are vast, ranging from Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker to more contemporary artists like J.J. Cale, whose song Thirteen Days Franceshetti covers with a unique, dobro-infused twist.

SONGWRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS

His approach to songwriting is both spontaneous and meticulous. It usually starts with a melody or a riff on his guitar, often singing “fake English” or random words until the structure of the song takes shape. “The words always come last,” he says, admitting that lyrics are the most challenging part for him. “The problem is not how to write the lyrics but finding something to write about,” he confesses.

Despite these challenges, Franceshetti sees himself as a songwriter. “I’m a blues performer, guitarist, and singer, but I’m a songwriter too,” he asserts. His records, which he describes as emotional and true to his experiences, showcase his evolution as an artist.

THE ROAD AHEAD: TOURS AND NEW RELEASES

Looking ahead, Franceshetti is optimistic about the future. With summer festivals behind him, he’s focusing on new projects, including a vinyl release of Mr. Red with Cek and the Stompers. A release night at a local theatre in Brescia is planned for November, followed by a tour in Germany in January. And while a UK tour isn’t confirmed yet, Franceshetti is eager to bring his music to new audiences.

“I’d be very happy to come to the UK,” he says, confident that people will connect with the band’s authentic sound. “We sing and play what we really are with no imitation, no pretending.”

A PHILOSOPHY OF BLUES: LISTEN, PLAY, AND FEEL

When asked for his advice to aspiring musicians, Franceshetti keeps it simple: “Listen to a lot of music that you like, go in person to see people you admire, and spend a lot of time on your instrument every day.” For him, it’s all about absorbing music, letting it influence you, and then finding your own voice.

As he prepares for another busy year of touring and recording, Cek Franceshetti remains a true ambassador of the blues, embodying the spirit of the genre in every note he plays and every story he tells. Whether in Italy, the United States, or beyond, one thing is certain: wherever he goes, the blues will follow.

For more Cek, see website: www.cekfranceschetti.com