The title carries particular historical significance. Both “Greaseball” and “WOP” are derogatory terms that were used in the United States — and, to a lesser extent, in other English-speaking countries — to discriminate against Italian immigrants and their descendants. Using these expressions as titles for a musical project means confronting an uncomfortable chapter in the history of the Italian diaspora and the discrimination experienced by generations of immigrants.

Italian emigration was one of the largest migration movements in modern history. Since 1861, more than 30 million Italians have emigrated, contributing to a diaspora of tens of millions of people across different parts of the world. For Malorgio, this collective memory serves as the starting point for a broader reflection on identity, displacement, and the search for a place to call home.

“Greaseball” was also conceived with a potential film adaptation in mind. This intention reflects the creative direction Malorgio has pursued in recent years: composing music that can stand on its own while also finding a place in films, documentaries, and soundtracks. The piece features Malorgio on composition and synthesizers, while Moreno Viglione contributes guitar and is also responsible for production, mixing, and mastering.

Malorgio's career is deeply rooted in instrumental music. He began studying classical guitar at a young age and further developed his skills under the guidance of maestro Giovanni Viola, a professor at the Morlacchi Conservatory in Perugia. In 2005, he founded Hot Club Roma, a group inspired by the musical universe of Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt. The ensemble released Swing From Rome through Wide Sound Records and performed at major Italian venues and festivals.

Throughout his career, Malorgio has collaborated with musicians such as Dario Pinelli, Dorado Schmitt, Sanson Schmitt, and Tim Kliphuis. He has also contributed to projects connected to Italian cinema, including the soundtracks for The House in the Clouds and Buoni a Nulla. In 2012, his meeting with actor Giorgio Tirabassi opened a new chapter for Hot Club Roma, leading to performances in theaters and festivals across Italy, as well as concerts in London.

In 2022, he participated in the recording of Paris Gipsy Guitars, an album by guitarist Moreno Viglione recorded in Paris. Two years later, he founded Papilio Records, an independent label dedicated to producing music with potential for audiovisual synchronization.

With “Greaseball,” Gianfranco Malorgio brings together his experience as a composer and a story that transcends generations and borders. His trilogy does more than commemorate Italian emigration: it uses that collective memory as a starting point to explore the experiences of millions of people who, for different reasons, have had to start over far from home. Because moving to another country can transform a life, but it does not necessarily erase the story of those who were forced to leave.