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Rating: Bari, Friday the 13th. Four cats, just four, gather at the entrance of a beautiful deconsecrated church in the old town. They happened to discover that Cesare Basile will be playing, an idol for some of them. They're a bit annoyed that there are no posters, radio announcements, or criers to herald the event. Some fear it might be a joke.
When he himself comes out of a door with a phone in hand, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed.
The inside of the church is austere, cold, and beautiful. Neatly arranged chairs, a minimal stage with two guitars and nothing else. The attendees adjust: they enter respectfully and sit down diligently.
It's more of a liturgy commencement than a concert. Our man arrives with his head bowed and dives to his place, picks up the acoustic as a buddy in an electric blue shirt (perhaps Marcello Caudullo) picks up the electric.
A brief greeting, then Cesare accompanies and sings, his friend weaves riffs and suggestions. Beautiful, very beautiful. Style in abundance.
The gems of the marvelous Gran Calavera Elettrica arrive, from "A che serve lo zolfo", to "Pietra bianca", to the fleeting poetry of the "Cantico dei Tarantati" (with a shaker on the foot, because it's derived from a popular Apulian song, and according to Cesare, the south is incomplete without shakers).
Here and there new pieces, with the classic harsh worded lyrics, then some covers (notably a splendidly sung "Maria nella bottega del falegname" by De Andrè).
Beautiful, beautiful, again beautiful. I wonder if drums would have worked as well. Or a less clean, less bright venue. Because I expected flesh and blood and suffering and found a couple of sophisticated musicians listened to by a neat and attentive audience. Who don’t shout "Encore!" when the two dare a pause and then continue with the classic encore.
At least then, however, I am jolted: "Di schianto", the piece I hoped to hear from Cesare. Stunning, simply.
And then? Then greetings to everyone. Go in peace. End of the show. About an hour, all in all.
What can I say, Cesare. You’re always a legend, but I expected more.
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