Fabio Concato
Zio Tom

I've always had a soft spot for the music of our homeland, especially that of the less celebrated singer-songwriters. Fabio Concato, despite some scattered successes throughout his career, cannot be said to be a highly regarded figure in the circle of the "sacred monsters" of songwriting.

Not everyone knows that he began his career in a cabaret group with the legendary Giorgio Porcaro, regularly performing at the "Derby," the Milanese temple of cabaret, where Cochi and Renato, Jannacci had already served... The ironic component remained very prominent throughout his career, starting with his first single "A Dean Martin" included in his 1977 debut album "Storie di sempre," and it is present more than ever in this album that I want to present to you!

I believe this is the most entertaining album Concato has ever written, with songs like "Porcellone" in which a respected and moralistic father, scandalized because the neighbor walks around naked in his house, goes to deal with it face to face but ends up being seduced by the latter... Ah ah! Or the song "Bossa nova milanese" where with a Portuguese accent, Concato sings about the struggles of the average citizen who has to navigate the difficulties (mainly economic) of life and does not miss the chance to take shots at "those who build churches and forget hospitals"... Also beautiful are "Pappafico", which comically talks about a medieval village infested by the devil, and the story of poor "Celestino" who boasts great lover skills and in the end reveals himself to be just a pathetic "mama's boy"... There are also more serious and atmospheric episodes like "Clic" a beautiful ecological ballad, and "Zio Tom".

Musically, the album is well played by great session musicians like Gianni dall'aglio, Ellade Bandini, Massimo Luca, and Vince Tempera (the latter also producer and arranger) and features as a "Special Guest" Jean "Toots" Thielemans, the true and historic virtuoso of the harmonica, who adds class and "feel" to many songs.

Ultimately, a nice album, perhaps not the best or most representative, but together with his first two records, worth rediscovering and enjoying "with pleasure"... .