Suonno d’Ajere means ‘The Dream of Yesterday’ and refers to a famous song title by Neapolitan cantautore Pino Daniele. It’s also the band name adopted by three passionate musicians, born and bred in the city of Naples, Italy, who despite their different musical backgrounds – from jazz to light music, from popular to classical – came together in 2016 to prove once and for all that the tradition of Neapolitan songwriting is still as moving and relevant as it has ever been.

The group intends to restore dignity and depth to this tradition by exploring all its repertoire from 1600 to the present, proposing arrangements that combine stylistic rigour with a contemporary approach.  Suonno d’Ajere maintain, “Neapolitan song is not a relic for museums, nor a mummy without oxygen. Its scores are no holy pells but a legacy to be celebrated.”

The ensemble’s choice of instruments recalls the popular Posteggia formations from the early 19th century – street and bar musicians loved by common people as well as by aristocrats – but Suonno d’Ajere’s execution is far more refined and sophisticated. The result is a flamboyant melding of popular and classical that has always been the cornerstone of Neapolitan music. In 2019, Suonno d’Ajere released its debut album, Suspiro, which Songlines Magazine (UK) praised as “an absolute delight… a captivating celebration of a living musical treasure, delivered in a refined manner.”