Stevie Wonder and Brian May
The Adventures Of Pinocchio

THE REVIEW

When this CD first came into my hands, I couldn't believe my eyes, I was truly incredulous. A collaboration between Stevie Wonder and the legendary curly-haired guitarist of Queen, Brian May, for the soundtrack of a film about Pinocchio!! It can't be true!? These two artists have absolutely nothing in common musically, other than being two giants of music. Moreover, one is American, the other English, and Pinocchio is an Italian story! I rub my eyes, pinch myself... nothing! The CD is still there, it's real, it exists! Well, then I'll buy it!

It's from 1996 and indeed a soundtrack. The listening experience also left me quite astonished, because many songs are of a classical imprint, with excellent and immense orchestras. Others, however, are more in pop-rock style. The two do not duet in any song, but divide the 14 tracks of the CD, with the support also of other artists: Jerry Hadley, Sissel, Just Williams, Rachel Portman.

The best ones: "What Are We Made Of?" by Brian May, a truly splendid, powerful, and compelling piece complete with a choir (which closely recalls the Queen style, of songs like "Who Wants To Live Forever"); Then the very lively "Hold On To Your Dream" and the sweet and wonderful ballad "Kiss Lonely Good-Bye", both by Mr. Wonder who performs them in 3 different versions: one more classical with the orchestra behind, one instrumental only with Stevie's harmonica going wild, and the last with more pop arrangements, more faithful to the classical style of the American artist; also beautiful are the first two (balancing between classical and lyrical), very theatrical: "Il Colosso" and "Luigi's Welcome"; finally, there's the playful and childlike whistled rhythm of "All For One".

An extremely bizarre and original record, which stands out in the modern music scene as absolutely unique. Even though it certainly did not shine with success and popularity, it remains a splendid album.