Italian Sinfonia spotlight
Italian Sinfonia Spotlight
Music Reviews
Franco Battiato
"L'Imboscata"
After years of producing exceptional albums which left the critics marveling and fans perplexed, Battiato returns with an album that recalls some of his work on albums like "La Voce del Padrone". His ability to meld languages and historical references is incredible. Most of the cuts have a medium beat that runs the course from soft to almost pop. Of particular interest is the song Strani Giorni whose driving sound combined in a duet format make it an interesting social commentary. Di Passaggio with its beginning in
Greek is another piece that is both interesting and a pleasure to unravel.
While we will never have the Battiato of the early eighties, this disc will be a
welcome addition to the collection of fans.
Eugenio Finardi
"Occhi"
Finardi returns with a vengance. The album provides us
with a view of a mature Finardi reflecting on society today without losing the
use of the voice and music which first brought him success many years ago.
Potevi Essere Tu at only 1:58 in length could serve as the anthem for all those
who have ever loved and lost and wondered about the "right" person. The soft
sadness in Finardi's voice carries over to other to other pieces on the disc.
Of note are Shamandura and Dopo L'amore for this type of sound. Sveglia Ragazzi has a heavier rock sound than some of the other cuts but is rich in text and
sound. Uno di Noi is the Italian version of the Joan Osborne song "One of Us" and
worth listening to. This album is probably one of the best from Finardi since
the days of Dolce Italia. If you are a fan, it is a necessary addition.
Francesco Guccini
"D'Amore Di Morte E Di Altre Sciocchezze"
What an incredible album for Guccini. The music and lyrics are top-notch as Guccini rediscovers his style after several mediocre albums. The feeling evoked by the songs
quickly remind the seasoned listener of Guccini's younger days. For those
unfamiliar with this cantautore, the album provides an excellent cross section
of Guccini's story within a song style. Of particular interest are songs such
as Lettera, Vorrei, Quattro Stracci and Cirano. However, I would be remiss in recommending the entire contents. This is a must for fans of the cantautore
genre.
Lighea
"Impara a Dire No"
"Impara a Dire No" is Lighea's latest effort after her excellent second
effort which contained Rivoglio la Mia Vita. This one falls short of
expectations. While she come through loud and clear with Nel Mio Profondo
(sounding like a young Gianna Nannini), the rest of the album does not a ppear
to distinquish itself and fails to tap her vocal versatility. Other interesting
pieces include Mamma No, Gli Stupidi and Giu' dall' Anima.
Marrabenta
"Marrabenta"
This album is the result of a unique fusion of Italian musicians and a singer from Mozambique who is equally at home singing in Italian, Portuguese, English and, of course, the language of Mozambique. The sound is big and brassy on most of the songs which even when sad in theme appear to sound like a celebration of life. Highlights on the disc include Nza Kuranza, Ranza Marrabenta, Corvo Negro, Anzi Gwenti and Giulia. If you have ever wondered about what would result from the union of a deep African bass with mediteranean rhythms, then this album will satisfy your curiousity and leave you humming many of the lyrics.
Marco Masini
"L'amore Sia Con Te"
This is Masini's first best of compilation that also includes a new cut entitled L'Amore Sia Con Te which suprisingly enough is a pleasant, sweet song, not the usual accumulation of desperation and angst which characterize too many of Masini's songs. Don not get me wrong, Masini has wonderful abilities--as a writer, arranger and singer. However, sometimes the theme can be too repetitive disc after disc. Now inspite of what
I just wrote, this album is an essential part of any collection which lacks a
Masini component since it contains his best work and with the addition of the
new cut reveals a Masini who appears to be maturing on many levels. The album
includes cuts such as Disperato, T'Innamorerai, Ti Vorrei, Meglio Solo and Vaffanculo.
Grazia Verasani
"Nata Mai"
Grazia Verasani is the name of this wonderful singer who brings to her
first disc the depth and skill one expects from a seasoned veteran. Grazia is
in her late thirties; in music circles a late age to be discovered. However,
thank goodness someone had the sense to capture her on disc. The songs convey a
raw emotive quality which is lacking in some artists. You can feel a part of
her life when she performs Devi Morire, Brivido Elettrico, Voglio Suonare, Nata Mai, Greta and Nel Sangue. I discovered her disc by accident in Milano last summer and feel it is time to share this discovery. You will not be
disappointed if you are a fan of rock and ballads this disc is for you.
Zucchero
"The Best of Zucchero"
Sugar Fornaciari's Greatest Hits is the first
best of compilation for Italy's Blues Man. There are also three new cuts -- Mente
e Rosmarino, Eppure non T'amo and Niente Da Perdere which again highlight Zucchero's song writing and singing skills. The disc is a must for those
interested in experiencing the full range--balllads to blues to gospel with hits
like Donne, Rispetto, Senza una Donna, Diamante and nine others. A nice intro to Zucchero and the new cuts (especially Mente e Rosmarino) alone are worth the price of the disc.
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