STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Giada Valenti is dreaming.
The St. George singer-songwriter hasn’t had a breather since the release of her second American CD, “And I Love You So.”
A dizzying October brought a red carpet appearance at the Columbus Day Parade and almost daily promotional shows in theaters, clubs, casino hotels and festivals throughout the country. November brings radio interviews, songwriting and rehearsals for a Broadway tryout of “Be My Love,” the Mario Lanza story.
But she’s not complaining: It’s all part of living her dream, one started at 12 years old when she joined a professional band.
“But when I lived in Italy, I was just another Italian,” said the Venice native. “I didn’t feel pride. What I wanted was to move to other countries and meet other cultures and be different than what I was, maybe be an R&B singer or hip-hop singer.”
She relocated to London and Amsterdam to pursue her passion before coming to America. Upon moving to New York City in 2004 to start her recording career, Valenti found herself embraced by Italian-Americans who swelled with ethnic pride and a connection to many old traditions.
“Now, the reason I feel at home here is the Italian community,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “I met so many Italian-Americans that are so proud. They may never have been to Italy and they don’t speak Italian, but there’s that love. Then I start to feel what they feel.”
She’s out on the road nearly half of every month, but will return to Staten Island for a Dec. 5 performance at Lorenzo’s Cabaret. She’ll present an evening of romance in “Celebration of the European Divas” such as Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, Shirley Bassey, Mina (who Italian fans often compare her voice to) and Dusty Springfield.
But by some cosmic happenstance, Valenti notes, “every song I do has some Italian connection.” Even the French classic “La Vie En Rose,” written and recorded first by Piaf and now featured on Valenti’s CD, has an Italian composer.
“No matter what it is, there’s always some Italian,” she said, her accent gracing each syllable.
Her look is distinctively European. On the day of this interview, sitting down for afternoon tea, she’s casually chic in black from her slacks and sweater to trench coat and scarf cozying her neck. And this ensemble is off-set by caramel-colored square-toed boots.
Valenti’s musical journey has taken her to many points of the world, but it all started when her maternal grandmother, who sang classic opera around the house, noticed something special.
“She noticed that I could memorize and sing in keys,” Valenti said. “She encouraged my parents to send me to piano school.”
Dad and mom — a police officer and secretary — got her to piano school at age 7, then she started vocal training and serious study which led to singing competitions where she picked up awards. But it took her years to develop her own jazzy vocal style.
“When I moved to America there were so many artists that are not huge in Europe,” she said of discovering — and studying — Perry Como, Connie Francis and Peggy Lee. Her list of favorite singers includes Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. She also admires Madonna for her longevity and ability to recreate herself.
Looking ahead, Valenti said she has more than 200 songs on her must-record list — she sings in Italian, French and English — and she’s preparing for a PBS special.
At the core of everything is one thing: “Music was and is my first love. I tend to choose romantic songs. I want people to say I was promoting love.”
BACK TALK: AWE writer Lisa Ann Williamson may be reached at [email protected].
Giada Valenti
“A Celebration of European Divas” accompanied by musicians on piano, bass, drums and guitar
Where: Lorenzo’s Cabaret, 1100 South Ave. at Lois Lane, Bloomfield
When: 7:30 p.m. dinner, 9:30 p.m. showtime, Dec. 5
How much: $35 show charge; $15 food/drink minimum
More information: 718-477-2400, LorenzosDining.com