Reason enough to learn Italian
pat | toronto | 08/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Do NOT let this one pass you by.I went to Italy this past year to learn Italian at a language school in Siena; one of the first Italian songwriters I was introduced to was this man, Fabrizio de Andre. Over the course of seven months in Italy I fell in love with de Andre, and this greatest hits package in particular. De Andre is (and I make this comparison for a point of reference, but it does not do full justice) something like a fusion of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, an Italian folk balladeer brimming with compassion and complexity, a literate and humane genius. Recently deceased (in 1999), De Andre was THE royalty of italian songwriting: a poet, a lover, a skilled musician with an unmistakeably rich, lilting voice as well as a poignant, often breathtaking lyrical pen. The man wrote the finest songs heard in his country for the better part of four decades; his albums are revered by any italian who has an ounce of appreciation for that which is good and stirring about music. By turns vitriolic, romantic and politically activist (many of his best songs speak out against war), his one-of-a-kind singing voice and perfect melody will transfix you--especially if you are lucky enough to understand the Italian language and appreciate the country, the loves and the disappointments he sings about. 'Da Genova' is a worthy introduction to his music; the songs are all quite different from one another and give the listener an idea of De Andre's artistic range, from classical to jazz to folk, even to neapolitan tarantellas ('Don Raffae'). A few of the tracks require multiple listens to gather steam ('Ottocento', 'Girontondo', 'La ballate di Miche'), but classics like 'La Guerra di Piero', 'Don Raffae', 'Verranno a Chiederti del Nostro Amore' and 'Hotel Supramonte' will stop you instantly in your tracks. Just go and buy it already."
Music is the Universal Language
pat | 12/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"DeAndre was recommended to me by a friend in Italy and even though I do not understand most of the lyrics, his voice and the rhythms of the language and music are gorgeous! Some of the selections are whimsical - "Girotondo," and "Ottocento" will make you smile and cheer. "Hotel Supramonte" has to do with his kidnapping and subsequent forgiveness of his captors. DeAndre's voice and music are not-to-be missed. Highly recommended."
A great, original artist
Indian music lover | Portland, Oregon | 04/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Other reviewers liken the late Fabrizio de Andre to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen and this comparison is certainly valid. While I do not understand much Italian, de Andre's original melodies, the tasteful restraint of his vocals, and the always intelligent arrangements demonstrate that he was a great artist.
What is especially telling is his rendition of Cohen's "Suzanne." De Andre's command of this song is so convincing that I had to look at the lyrics sheet to confirm that Cohen wrote it. That is how much de Andre made it HIS song. It is a pity that so few of his CDs appear to be available. He was a true master. Any serious listener of music should have one of his CDs."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1