Enzo Avitabile

Italian saxophonist, singer-songwriter and composer from Marianella, Naples, known for blending soul, blues, jazz, Neapolitan song and world music; active since the 1970s.

Napoletana won the Tenco prize (2009) according to the reviews; Jonathan Demme directed a documentary titled "Enzo Avitabile Music Life" (featured in reviews). Reviews and discography note collaborations with artists such as Francesco De Gregori, Giorgia, Mannarino, Caparezza, Renato Zero, Pippo Delbono, Hyndi Zahra, Lello Arena, as well as earlier partnerships referenced with Guccini, Bob Geldof, David Crosby, Maceo Parker, Richie Havens and Afrika Bambaataa. Reviews repeatedly reference his use of Bottari rhythms and his focus on themes of periphery, immigration and social struggle; he is described as originating from Marianella, Naples.

DeBaser reviews consistently praise Enzo Avitabile for blending soul, blues, jazz and Neapolitan song into socially engaged records. Lotto Infinito is singled out as a profound, genre-crossing masterpiece. Earlier work (S.O.S Brothers, Avitabile) is valued for its soul and groove, while Napoletana won the Tenco prize for its cultural recovery of Neapolitan tradition.

For:Fans of world music, soul, blues, Neapolitan song and socially engaged music.