| Edoardo Bennato | Gino Paoli |
| Dirotta su Cuba
Laura Pausini |
Enrico Ruggeri | Roberto Vecchioni |
| I Murvini
Syria |
Taglia 42
"Cous Cous Summer" |
"Festivalbar"
"pop.it" |
Sembra ieri
Bennato has released an album which features 15 previous releases and
three new cuts. It seems to be quite the the in thing to do this
season. The album is a very nice overview as it covers some of his
early works and works from the middle years recorded by a more mature Bennato.
This is one of those albums that can be added to any collection without
remorse. The bonus is that even the new cuts, Si tratta dell'amore, Sembra
ieri and Taraunta tata', are all done in the signature Bennato style and
do not disappoint as they run the range from medium to almost rocky.
The rest of the tracks also cover the full range from rock to ballads.
If you are new to Bennato then add it to the collection as a nice sampler
of one of the most prolific of the modern cantautori. Fans will want to
have this one for the new cuts and will not be put off by the nostalgia
the cuts bring back.
Per una storia
This is another relaease that contain three new cuts to accompany the
14 previous releases. I enjoy Gino Paoli's way of covering the full
range of possibilites with his mature style and excellent vocal abilities.
Per una storia, Mari' nu' and Perduti are the new cuts which are mixed
in with some of Paoli's classics from both
his early days and his 90's comeback. If you are unfamiliar
with him, buy the album to hear one of the best voices in Italian music
that has covered five decades. The songs may not overwhelm you but
they will fit comfortably and seem like old friends as you listen to them.
The newer cuts fit well into the context of the album and will not disappoint
you. this is another recommended piece for beginners and fans.
I only wish there were more new cuts instead of trend of many artists
over the last couple of years to release in drips and drabs and mix in
the new with the old.
Dentro ad ogni attimo
Since they came on the scene a few years ago, Dirotta Su Cuba can be
relied on to create jazzy, funky, high quality albums that seem to meld
so many styles into a very solid, likable product. This album is not exception
with its fresh, jazzy pieces and strong vocals that make it stand out in
the crowd of groups releasing albums in Italy. But to label the album as
solely an upbeat, jazzy work would not do justice to the slower, equally
well balanced ballads and pop that only serve to add to the album's strength.
As I sit here writing the review and listening to the album, am struck
time after time by the excellent arrangements of the first three songs,
Notti d'estate, Vieni che to porto all'inferno and Dentro ad ogni attimo.
As you can guess by the tone of the review, I am putting this one on your
buy list for fans of various genres of music and especially fans of the
trio.
Tra Te e il Mare
If you had any doubts about Laura's depth and maturity as a singer,
this album should put it all to rest. This is an album that fans and first
timers alike can find appealing and worthwhile. The songs cover her usual
range of pop and ballads with Laura, with few exceptions, as the co-author
of the pieces. Tra te e il mare is the title track and is authored by Biagio
Antonacci. I have to say, I found myself tapping and singing along to the
songs after my first listen. As if to validate my reaction, I had the album
on in the background while speaking to several american friends, and they,
without exception, asked who was singing because they liked the sound and
vocals. If that does not convince you, I do not know what will! Other than
to add that Laura will likely release her first english language album
by late 2001. Give this album a try, if you are not a fan, you will become
one.
L'uomo che vola
Enrico Ruggeri has never seemed to be bound by the norms of the singing
profession. He is always tinkering and developing new ideas and concepts
to turn into album. This is not exception. I think that on the overall
scale he succeeds although sometimes we lose sight of the entire purpose
behind the concept. Here Ruggeri dedicates a portion of the album to one
of the greatest bicyclists from the 1950s. Throughout the 17 songs, Ruggeri
tells us a story with many facets and nuances. To review this album solely
on the basis of its musical quality while ignoring the concept does not
do the work justice. Yet focusing too much on the concept may take away
from your enjoyment of the album. Suffice it to say that that album is
good and I recommend it to fans who like to have all of his works. As for
the novices, I would hold off on this one and search our previous reviews
on Ruggeri's prior works which you will find less conceptual and more fulfilling.
Canzoni e Cicogne
This is a double compilation of old cuts in live and studio formats
with two news cuts, Canzoni e Cicogne and Vincent, added to album. I have
liked Vecchioni for a long time so reviewing his work can be a special
treat (or a disaster). In this case, it was a pleasure listening to the
album. There is no mistaking his voice or style. You will find some of
his classics like Samarcanda, Stranamore, Luci a San Siro and many, many
others. For the serious fan, it is always nice to add another good album.
For those who are not such ardent listeners, you may want to wait for another
opportunity to pick up a work with all new pieces.
A strada
I really like these guys. This Corsican band first came to my
attention a few years ago. They have grown on me since. A strada
is a best of album with some new cuts intermingled. The songs are
presented in a variety of languages: French, Corsican and Italian.
The best way to describe it may be along the lines of slow to medium tempo
ballads with subtle hints of texture that make you feel like you are sitting
on the rocky Corsican coast sun playing on your face, fragrant breeze with
a hint of wild flowers and distant music that lifts and transports you
away from the gentle waves to a place lost in time. Obviously, this
type of music, with its various Mediterranean influences, can be considered
world music and is not your typical pop material. However, if you
are looking to expand musical horizons, this is not a bad place to start.
Heck, I feel like I need to visit Corisica every time I listen to the album.
Come una goccia d'acqua
Syria is back like clockwork with another very good album. As
I said before, I had my doubts when I first heard her at Sanremo.
However, she has consistently shown her depth and growth over the last
several albums. This album has a mature, experienced yet inspired
Syria balancing mellow ballads and faster paced pop like an expert.
The album will not overwhelm you, but it will leave you nicely satisfied.
Fans will add this one to their collections without hesitation. Novices
can buy this one to appreciate her efforts and to get a sense of this young
singer. Her previous album, Station Wagon, is also worth purchasing.
Due
I had not heard from Taglia 42 for quite a while. They are back
with a nice album that focuses on the two remaining members of the group.
"Sara Occhipinti" has a very nice vocal presence which she puts
through various formats shifting from pop to rock to softer ballads without
losing the distinctive qualities she has. The album is not one you
may want to rush put and buy, however, you may find the quality mix and
songs (some are Italian versions of american hits) worth the investment.
I generally enjoyed the album and found it very likable. While not
an overwhelming endorsement, I do not have any regrets about the purchase
and find myself listening to it more often than not. You never know
how you may feel once you listen.
Cous Cous Summer
It must be world music month for me. This compilation as you
guess form the title features artists from the middle east and africa.
I find the music very interesting and full of some very nice rhythms and
vocal plays. Of course, not being able to understand a word does
take away some of the pleasure. However, is worth the investment
if you are looking for something different in the double cd category which
will give a good overview of both pop and ballads from two diverse areas.
Festivalbar 2000 Compilation Blu
I only bought the blu compilation this year, not red as well.
I am always disappointed in the amount of american music that is in these
compilations. This is no
exception. I selected blu since I thought the selection of songs
offered a touch more of the more poplar songs for Summer 2000. This
set includes Ligabue, Morandi, Matia Bazar, Pravo, Mietta, Nek, Pelu',
Grandi, Spagna and Paola & Chiara. Overall not a bad set and
event the assortment of other songs is actually pretty good. The Festivalbar
Compilations are always an interesting way to get a sampling of what Italian
are listening to in the summer months.
pop.it
This is one of those compilations that just by its name should have
you wondering. It is a mix of cuts by younger artists...some known
and others to be discovered. I saw it as a nice way to pick up several
artists I was curious about without the expense of getting every single
release. Among the featured performers are Lunapop, De Marinis, Subsonica,
Greta, Piotta, Ridillo and Bluvertigo to name a few. While not a
must have, it is a nice one to get as a sampler of musical currents.
