Carmen Consoli / Nada
Live in Fano, 24-07-04

THE REVIEW

A gentle breeze is blowing over Piazza XX Settembre here in Fano, and menacing yet still scattered clouds gather over the stage just before the concert.
Tonight is the only summer date for Carmen Consoli, accompanied for the occasion by singer-songwriter Nada.

And it is precisely the latter who opens the live show; like a punch to the stomach comes the poetic song “Rosario,” dedicated to the troubled relationship with her mother.
In almost an hour, Nada offers a dozen pieces that span almost her entire thirty-year career: from “Ma Che Freddo Fa” (considered an affectionate memory) to the more recent songs from the new album; and it’s the producer of this album who wanted John Parish with her on stage, already a collaborator of PJ Harvey, whose guitar underscores every single raw note emitted by Nada; the only comfort is the delicate “Senza Un Perché.”
In the end, she finishes without even an encore: a pity, she deserved more.

After the classic ritual of the soundcheck, Carmen arrives. She climbs up alone with her semi-acoustic guitar and sings one of her most intimate songs: “In Funzione Di Nessuna Logica.” She is dressed simply, in a blouse and classic pants, almost foretelling the tone of the evening.
Slowly the band arrives, composed of Massimo Roccaforte on the mandolin, Gionata Costa on the cello, and Andre Costa on the violin; the latter are also members of Quintorigo.
Interesting is the reinterpretation of “Fiori d’Arancio” which seems almost like a female version of “About A Girl,” “Geisha” is also beautiful as it highlights the aggressive charge of the singer while in “Pioggia d’Aprile” she delights in remaking Mina.
An electric guitar occasionally appears to reinforce some pieces like “Parole Di Burro.”
The audience shows appreciation and midway through the performance, they flock to the edges of the stage leaving their seats.

We are at the end, and after many encores and just as many ovations, there's just enough time to close with a “Confusa e Felice” before the thanks.
Meanwhile, above, the sky has cleared.