This album by vocalist/composer Sissy Castrogiovanni reminds me of the years I lived in Rome, Italy, and was exposed to Italian pop sounds. The Italians have a unique style and delivery, always putting in a ton of lyrics, melded with creative melodies and festive themes. Here, the vocalist is teamed with a core of Tim Ray/p, Jesse Williams/b, Lihi Haruvi/ss, Jamey Haddad/perc, Jorge Perez-Albela/dr, a string section and collection of special guests for a collection of songs that have more energy and moods than a Puccini opera.
In fact the upbeat mix of chorus, beats and melodies are quite Puccini-esque as Williams delivers a dancing bass line on “’A Panza” and the team is dramatic and kinetic on”Paci”. Other pieces, such as “Magia” are more in the post bop vein with Castrogiovanni giving Callas like drama to the lyrics, while she seductively rolls her “r” to glorious effect on “Terra”. A mix of strings and African percussion is a gorgeous pomodoro sauce on “E Vui Durmiti Ancora” and her Italian heart is on its sleeve with strings on the personal “Ancili”. Get this lady to America-if she can cook as well as she sings, I’ve got a Greek cousin for her!