Cristiano De Andrè
Scaramante

I will not begin this review as many of you probably expect, that is, with the banal observation that Fabrizio was a whole different thing. Simply because it is time to judge this artist (for we are indeed talking about a true artist) not by comparing him to the gigantic shadow of his father, but solely by his music and lyrics which, let me say right away, are both of fine quality. So let's let Fabrizio rest in peace and let's talk calmly about this work, the fifth in Cristiano De André's discography.

An undeniable strength of the entire album is the quality of the arrangements, superb even in the less successful tracks (which are more than one to be frank). Cristiano's voice is incredibly warm and pleasant, Mediterranean I'd say, yet it also manages to scratch when needed, as in the irresistible "Sei Arrivata", a track with an engaging rhythm and simply genius lyrics in its irony. Evidently, this is not the only noteworthy episode. "Buona Speranza" is simply masterful, Cristiano’s voice combs our hearts accompanied by a slithering flute and the classic flamenco-style guitar touches by Rocco Zifarelli, one of the most cultured and refined guitarists in our scene. The rhythm section is fantastic, thanks to the percussion carpet (played here by Cristiano himself) and the precise and disciplined bass of Melone. In "Un' Antica Canzone" emerge the love for world music and Cristiano's great versatility, elements that will resurface powerfully in the other "ethnic" song par excellence, "Sempre Anà", in the Genoese dialect. . . The dots are to say that in this case, the comparison with the Monster is inevitable, and I have to say that good Cristiano handles it quite well, also because he can flaunt a vocal range significantly superior to his father, something that, a very personal opinion, can represent an important added value in a piece like this, focused on the evocative power of the singing. "La diligenza" is the piece you did not expect from a De André: the Mediterranean rhythms colored with reggae blend (believe it or not) with black American rap, and put this way, the thing can really be scary: in reality, the experiment is perfectly successful and the angry chant of rapper Michael Corkran emphasizes the unease of the condemned man who flees his destiny by jumping on the diligence. Splendid. One of the ideal songs to listen to when on a journey.

The album closes with a splendid piece of piano and voice, in which Cristiano dedicates a thought to his father, creating moments of truly intense lyricism. The voice in turn becomes a musical instrument on par with the piano. Having given the due praises, unfortunately, the painful moments follow: undoubtedly, "Lady Barcollando" is nice but the others definitely lower the average level of the album. Particularly puzzling is "Quarante Carte" with its "easy listening" pace, almost (heaven forbid. . .) like Venditti. Apart from these dips in inspiration, however, the album remains excellent. Definitely worth the purchase.

"E avevi l'odore/ di erba e di brina/, di strade in salita e di corse/ domenica mattina" from "Buona Speranza"