I’ve been going through a bit of a creative lull lately. It usually happens at this time of year in Sicily; the summers on the island are generally so torrid and filled with humidity that my concentration is permanently shot. I typically go on holiday and forget about getting my productivity back. I try to…
Continue reading ➞ Words from Sicily: a slice of life
https://youtu.be/yKT_euhimTk Officially J-ax and Fedez were not a band, the two irreverent rappers were collaborators over several albums. They both have a gift for fast-paced, acidic, funny lyrics and parody. Together they have created many immensely popular Italian pop songs over the last few years. It’s sad to see that they will no longer be…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challeng Day 24: J-AX & Fedez
https://youtu.be/4WMejmcT9ZY Ermal Meta is a fascinating artist originally from Albania he literally fled civil war as a child, arriving in Italy on a boat. His work reflects the point of view of migrants to Italy, the oppressed and marginalised. His songs, far from being harsh or dark, are filled with hope and joy. After becoming…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song challenge Day 23: Ermal Meta
https://youtu.be/BzuOhH9EwYs Fiorella Mannoia’s father was an Italian film stuntman, and she and her brother and sister also worked in this same industry as children as stand-ins. Mannoia made her debut in the world of music when she sang at the Castrocaro Music Festival in 1968 where she got a contract with a record company. After…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 22: Fiorella Mannoia
https://youtu.be/BzMaRnofMUE Fabrizio Morbrici known by his stage name Fabrizio Moro became well known after his debut album in 2000. He later won the Newcomers section of the Sanremo festival in 2007 with his song Pensa (Think). Moro has also written songs for other artists including the rock band Stadio and singer Noemi. Today after ten…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 21: Fabrizio Moro
https://youtu.be/Ux_HH5AGKuA Ok, so I must admit I love Zucchero so I couldn’t help putting him on my list twice. Other than being one of Italy’s most successful international artists, Zucchero’s blend of Italian blues and songwriting skills make his songs unforgettable parts of the Italian songbook. You would be hard-pressed to find an Italian who…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 20: Zucchero
https://youtu.be/c-0nwrP3DaI Zucchero is probably one of the best known Italian artists in the world, his music is basically rhythm and blues with an Italian spin. Zucchero’s career has stemmed for more than three decades. His music is always in constant evolution his catalogue of albums has included elements of Italian ballads, R&B boogie like pieces,…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 19: Zucchero
https://youtu.be/GT1mKBakElM Umberto Tozzi is probably one of the most well known Italian pop and rock singers and composers of all time. Many of his songs have been translated into English and performed by other international performers. His most famous song has to be Gloria which was translated into English. It became a significant hit for…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song challenge Day 18: Umberto Tozzi
https://youtu.be/4_YLA8rESJc Al Bano and Romina were the most famous act in Italy in the 1980s and early 1990s. The duo formed in 1975 by the then they were already a married couple and they became highly successful in Italy and mainland Europe. Al Bano was dark-haired, handsome with an operatic voice. At the same time,…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 17: Al Bano Carrisi & Romina Power
https://youtu.be/iMxOluEwfVw Adriano Celentano is yet another giant figure from Italian pop music. He was the first artist to sing American rock and roll back in the 1950’s and his early style was based very much on Elvis Presley. Celentano took American rock ‘n’ roll and put a very Italian twist onto it, giving it new…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song challenge Day 16: Adriano Celentano
https://youtu.be/hqGiKdy8xjs This song was originally written by Italian writer and television personality Maurizio Costanzo for the 1960’s legend Mina. It became one of Mina’s most popular songs and was a real showcase for her immensely powerful voice. This cover by Nek flips the story of the song into a different perspective. Se telefondando (If calling…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 15: Nek
https://youtu.be/kEWB9GmDZzs Biagio Antonacci first came to prominence when he participated in Sanremo in 1988 with the song Voglio Vivere in un attimo (I want to live in a moment). In 1989 he signed to a major record label. He recorded his debut album Sono cose che capitano (Things that happen), which produced a hit with…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song challenge Day 14: Biagio Antonacci
https://youtu.be/1Glf8eyO6HE Mia Martini (1947-1995) was a fantastic artist, her voice was of an immense range, emotional intensity and quality. She sang well in so many genres from jazz to folk, pop and rock. Martini's career took her all around the world, she sang very well in many different languages, including French and English. With a…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 13: Mia Martini
https://youtu.be/0Jb6NixZKaY Now, to be honest, I wasn’t listening to Italian music in my preteen years, so I chose this classic Italian song that literally everyone grew up with in Italy. I ricchi e poveri (The rich and the poor) were an Italian supergroup that everyone loved, their songs were immensely popular in Italy and all…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song Challenge Day 12: I Ricchi e Poveri
https://youtu.be/rR_aINyOYhs Lucio Dalla (1943-2012) was a legend of Italian song, he wrote many popular songs that are considered timeless classics in Italy. His career was absolutely stellar, and he collaborated with many artists including Luciano Pavarotti and Julio Iglesias.Dalla was a talented composer and musician who played several instruments including the clarinet, saxophone, piano and…
Continue reading ➞ Italian Song challenge Day 11: Lucio Dalla
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