My friend Guido put together his list of the 10 best Italian songs of all time - except he couldn't narrow it down further than 19 :-) Part I was Battisti and De Andre'. Part II is swing and jazz.
Estate by Bruno Martino
This Italian classic is about being happy that summer is over, and it's the kind of song you'd expect to hear live in a good Italian restaurant, maybe even as a tasteful rose-seller was making the rounds. Pretty jazzy, and he enunciates well, making it ideal material for Italian language learners.
La Notte by Mina
This song is typical of the '60s, when Italy was influenced by American swing music.
Che Coss'e' L'amor by Vinicio Capossela
Another one in the swing genre, this song is somewhat well-known abroad because it's on the Putamayo Italian Cafe' CD
All'una e trentacinque circa by Vinicio Capossela
This one is more jazz, with some great piano at the beginning.
So that's it for the best jazz and swing on the list - did we miss any of your favorites?
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And here's a somewhat "tomwaitsy" Capossela with his beautiful lyrics for "Ovunque proteggi": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvLW2F8iJpQ
Madeline, I've rarely, perhaps never, met with anyone being both so knowledgeable about Italy AND based in Chicago. Astounding, really. I love your notes about Sicily (and frutta martorana, wow, not many outside Palermo know about that denomination!) and I'm urging you to visit the island of Favignana, offshore from Trapani and the latter's incredible, salty lagoon with its 28 centuries old Mothia.
Speaking about smaller Italian islands, next time in Capraia take a walk around its former penal colony and the bio farm-plus-hostel (agriturismo) located there. One other stunning "Papillon" excursion would be, south-west off Isola d'Elba, a boat trip to the former prison island of Pianosa (watch out for closed number day tour, booking compulsory). I took one of these several years ago and I'll never forget about it. I've never been to Alcatraz when in San Francisco, but people visiting Pianosa will not miss it. Thanks again for some great read, pictures and useful (even to a Milan born and based guy like me) suggestions!
Posted by: Andrea "Andy" Lawendel | September 16, 2010 at 06:02 PM
Andy thanks for the Capossela song, and your comment makes my day, thank you so much :)
I'd love to visit Favignana, and Ustica.... and I will add Pianosa to the list!
Yes I'm based in Chicago (for now) but I couldn't write this blog if I hadn't been based in Italy 5 years. I was very lucky that I had a lot of opportunity to travel within the country.
Posted by: Madeline | September 16, 2010 at 08:35 PM
I really like Che coss'è L'amor but Ovunque proteggi is definitely my favourite one by Vinicio. Thank you again Madeleine and Guido! And thank you Andrea, of course, for your suggestion :)
Posted by: Giulia | September 17, 2010 at 01:33 AM
Thanks for your enthusiasm Giulia :) I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the remaining 10 songs Guido chose....
Posted by: Madeline | September 17, 2010 at 08:07 AM
My pleasure Giulia, here's another version with some comments by Vinicio (Italian only I'm afraid, an excerpt from Rai3 state tv channel):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5atJDWFSQzo
Posted by: Andy | September 17, 2010 at 09:23 AM
Italian is fine :)thank you Andrea!!
Posted by: Giulia | September 22, 2010 at 01:34 AM