Voice of the Giglio

“Love and Romance means everything to me because it is my first release, stated Alleva. “O Sole Mio and Torna Surriento are two of my all time favorite songs, so I felt it was important to include them on this album along with several other timeless classics that remind me of what the meaning of love and romance is.”　“I truly hope that my voice brings people joy and happiness; and that it compels them to reflect about all of the good in their lives and believe in themselves and others.” Jimmy Alleva grew up in Queens, New York, the middle child of three brothers. He fondly recalls his quality time spent with Nicholas Jr., Philip and parents, Roseann and Nicholas. As a family the Alleva’s took great pleasure listening to Italian music legends such as Jimmy Roselli, Sergio Franchi and Mario Lanza. It was at an early age when Jimmy discovered his love for this beautiful music. The Alleva family was a musical household. Nicholas Jr. was a well known Italian singer from their neighborhood and Philip was a bass player who performed in many local great bands. Jimmy’s adoration of Italian music runs deep within the Alleva blood. For as long as he could remember, every Saturday his family would go to their grandfathers butcher shop. While there, Jimmy’s grandfather would encourage him and his brothers to learn many Neapolitan songs. His grandfather would pay him and his brother’s five dollars for each song they learned. That was a fun incentive for the boys, and in turn they each learned classics such as: Tazza Café, Senza Mamma Inamorata and Mala Femmina. It was a great time for the entire Alleva family.