Article Contributed by Omni Arts Group
Published on 2026-03-30
Fresh for spring, 18-year-old “banjo heartthrob”, songwriter, and vocalist Ettore Buzzini releases his new single, Flowers on Patuxent Music, available March 27 on all major streaming platforms. Written by Ettore and produced by Tom Mindte, label owner and founder of Patuxent Music, the release continues to prove that Ettore’s talents go beyond his prowess as a banjo prodigy, highlighting his penchant for songwriting and composition, and his affinity for classical music that flirts with a superficial subject matter.
Flowers is on the surface a straightforward bluegrass love song, a springtime frolic with Ettore’s signature banjo flourishes. But it’s also an homage to his Swiss family’s classical roots and influence. Ettore’s prior release, Don’t Love Me translated a classical piece into traditional bluegrass form. Flowers takes Ettore further in that direction.
Flowers is the latest release from his forthcoming album, BLUE BLUE BLUE, which will showcase how Ettore is fusing classical melodic influence and virtuoso bluegrass with storytelling influenced by the great romantics—giving Bluegrass lovers a sweeping musical experience.
“The richness and intensity of Classical are ideal for taking bluegrass on a musical voyage,” says Ettore. “Bluegrass is ripe for exploring those extended emotional journeys…letting the music and the audience ride the wave of feelings together.”
Ettore’s classical influences run deep. The tradition comes to him from his Swiss family’s musical heritage--his Italian great-grandmother was a classical soprano and director of a sacred choir in Switzerland, his grandfather a promoter of a classical music festival in Ascona, Switzerland. The inspiration for Flowers can be traced partially to the romantic composer Franz Liszt in his piano work Réminiscences de Norma (which itself was inspired by Vincenzo Bellini’s opera Norma). Ettore first encountered the melody through Liszt’s composition, though the influence remains subtle—serving as inspiration rather than overt quotation.
Produced by Tom Mindte, who has been capturing the sound of traditional music for over 40 years, the recording emphasizes Bluegrass essentials, placing the song squarely within the bluegrass tradition while allowing Ettore’s personal voice to come through.
Ettore did mark the release of “Flowers” with a single release party performance during his appearance as an artist-at-large at Ernie Evans’s EMS Springfest, March 27–29. He performed a short featured set at the Festival Pavilion, celebrating the single’s debut with a live festival audience.
Upcoming Tour Dates
3/26 - 3/28 - Brooksville, FL EMS Spring Fest
4/11 & 4/12 - Durango, CO - Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
6/4 - Saluda, NC - The Purple Onion
6/19 - WDVX Summer Series Yee Haw Brewing
6/19 - Greenville, NC - Poe Mill Music Hall
6/20 - Charlotte, NC- Charlotte Folk Society - Front Porch Concert Series
Stay up to date on all shows, new releases and more by visiting ettorebuzzini.com
About Ettore Buzzini -
Ettore (pronounced like “Letter-A”) has a decidedly youthful take on traditional bluegrass, rooted in tradition, but with an innovative, distinctive picking style, and a unique gift of songwriting. To the casual listener, Ettore's sound is simply hard-driving bluegrass. But anyone who listens a little more closely will quickly notice that Ettore’s unique music weaves together the iconic acoustic sounds of bluegrass, the youthful energy of rock guitar virtuosos, and the emotional impact of classical romantic music.
Ettore’s been gaining attention for his unique bluegrass intensity–winning the prestigious FreshGrass award, and being featured by Bela Fleck and Pete Wernick (Hot Rize). His new album BLUE BLUE BLUE is coming this summer, featuring Bluegrass legends Danny Paisley, Michael Cleveland, and Christopher Henry.
He has been featured at Merlefest, FloydFest, WDVX Big Plate, Bela Fleck Banjo Concert, IBMA Wide Open Bluegrass Raleigh, and countless others. PBS Woodsongs called him “One of the best young bands in America!”
