Gianmaria Testa
Altre Latitudini

Why do porcupines cross the road? Who knows. Why do eels reproduce in the Sargasso Sea? Who can say. Why is false accounting no longer a crime? Well, that one I might know. Why is Gianmaria Testa more known and loved in France than in Italy? Beats me. There are questions that are pointless to ask because the answers will always be uncertain. What is certain is that Gianmaria Testa is a talented artist, a refined singer-songwriter, little known to most. Many critics compare him, not entirely wrongly, to Paolo Conte. Indeed, the influences of the Asti lawyer are present in his albums. But we're not dealing with a clone, as some might think. Gianmaria Testa, in fact, has his own style, which finds its epicenter in a delicate acoustic guitar, capable of intoning ballads and songs of disarming simplicity. His records feature a mix of multiple soundscapes. There is jazz, tango, folk, a bit of swing. And then there's his warm, deep, slightly rough, captivating voice.

Altre Latitudini (Le chant du monde - 2003) is the fifth discographic chapter in Testa's career. Fourteen brand-new love songs. Was there a need for them? Perhaps yes, in these times. Also because love can be sung in many ways, and Testa's approach showcases delicate irony and elegance. Not common qualities. As uncommon is the list of musicians featured on this record. Most have a jazz background, such as Enrico Rava, Enzo Pietropaoli, Rita Marcotulli. Others have different experiences, like classical cellist Mario Brunello, Avion Travel guitarist Fausto Mesolella, and violinist Carlo De Martini from the disbanded Stormy Six.

Together, they invent a beautiful album, which perhaps does not reach the allure of Testa's first album, Montgolfières, that so impressed our transalpine cousins. Nevertheless, it presents some small gems, like the Arabesque "Tuareg," the "impressionistic" "Veduta aerea," or the little fairy tale "Una lucciola d'agosto."

Small great songs that deserve to be listened to.