De Gregorio serves as the project's architect, composer, and vocalist, viewing the massive undertaking as an exploration of the jazz form through three distinct lenses: blues, narrative-driven crossover, and the international vocal tradition. To introduce the work, he has released The Opening, an 11-track appetizer that features a radical reharmonization of Yesterday alongside original compositions like New Orleans Blues, a tribute to the late Ellis Marsalis.

Technical precision anchors the project, with Grammy-winning engineer Maureen Sickler handling production at the legendary Van Gelder Studio. The roster of collaborators includes bassist Ike Sturm and film composer Daniele Truocchio, supporting De Gregorio’s vision of blending Italian recitativo with Brazilian rhythms and classic American songbook standards. The full project marks a pivot point for the Rome-born artist, who previously refined his craft at the New School and Berklee following formative years at Italy's Alfredo Casella Conservatory.