Gigione
Te Si Mangiata 'sta Banana

THE REVIEW

Poliedric heir of that bucolic tradition inaugurated by Theocritus (years and years ago), the great poet of rural life, storyteller balancing between the sacred and the profane, Gigione is the most acclaimed "town festival" artist in Italy.

Concert after concert, supported by his son Jo Donatello, he has managed to push his fame even beyond the borders of Campania, even receiving (although not in his presence) praise from Maurizio Costanzo, regarding his 'Padre Pio'.

The hit of consecration is the famous 'A' Campagnola', in which Gigione combines beloved pastoral themes with a playful eroticism that sinks its roots into Archilochus’ poetry. The formula is winning. In fact, the erotic-pastoral combination occurs quite often: 'A Carcioffola' (with very obvious allusion), 'Zì Nicola iho iho' (a picturesque character who, during a countryside outing, indulges in the art of groping intoxicated by Bacchus' nectar), are two illuminating examples.
However, there are also incursions into "Christian Pop" ('Caro Papa', and the aforementioned 'Padre Pio' stand out for their remarkable hieratic force), into the sphere of affections as in 'La Famiglia' and 'Lauretta' (a heartfelt paternal wish to the daughter who got married); and at Christmas, there is room for jovial Boccaccian echoes ('O ballo d'a zumpata', 'L'uccellino della comare').

The choice falls on this album especially for its summer connotation; the cover and tracks like 'Voglia di mare' and 'Ncopp'o lido' perfectly convey the idea. But it's tracks like 'Salutame a soreta' (reaction of a dumped lover), 'Voglia 'e fà bum bum' (desire to engage in love arts on four wheels), and the unforgettable 'Te si mangiata 'sta banana' that make this work one of the most exciting episodes in Gigione's career.

An anecdote on the matter: the authenticity of the masterpiece (incidentally, an Italian adaptation of 'The Rhythm of the Night' by Corona) is a point of contention between Our hero and Leone Di Lernia, but the controversy can be easily resolved: while the latter refers to the purely culinary aspect of the fruit, Gigione refers to... we get it...