•
Rating: After a long chat with Paolo Benvegnù before the concert, I find myself a bit disoriented.
The more I try to find adjectives to describe his complex and multifaceted culture, the more I realize that I might overlook the profound humanity and sensitivity that characterize him. Benvegnù is a person who, with great strength and consistency, has managed to follow an impressive artistic and human path: He was the mind and driving force behind Scisma, one of the most important groups in the Italian independent scene. He played for more than two years with Marco Parente and recorded his third album, Trasparente. He founded a label (stoutmusic) and began his career as a producer while on February 9, 2004, his first album, Piccoli Fragilissimi Film, was released.
Now stop and think about a person of this caliber. Impossible to say: his fame seems directly proportional to his incredible talent. Paolo, however, does not seem too worried about the restaurant where the concert will be held, and with his band (Luca Baldini - guitar, bass and Andrea Franchi - drums, piano, organ, harmonica) the focus is on tonight's setlist.
They start with "Quando Passa Lei" completely ignored (there were about twenty of us there for the concert against about fifty of the venue's customers), but with "Cerchi Nell'Acqua" and "Il Mare Verticale," the first vibrations urge most of the present attendees to pay attention. The concert continues amid the murmur and the poor acoustics of the venue: a lively "Centro" and the frenzied delirium of "Troppo Poco Intelligente," where the obsessive beat of the drum almost evokes the heart of the paranoid character being sung about. The perfect execution is the result of the complex synergies between Andrea, Luca, and Paolo: "E' Solo un Sogno" and "Catherine" are two of the most touching moments of the evening, touching on catharsis. "Io e Te" and "Suggestionabili" are also much more convincing live and do much justice to the anthems "E' Stupido," "In Dissolvenza" and their eloquent psychedelic codas. "non vedo che uomini fuori e dentro me ... ma non riesco a comprenderli". It feels almost guilty to try to judge a show that, despite numerous disadvantages, is far more worthy than the little satisfaction the audience offers with applause and ovations to the singer-songwriter from Garda.
After "Catherine," Paolo seems to shrink almost as he apologizes: the concert will end before eleven-thirty not to disturb the public peace; but unexpectedly, he hears his name being called, requests for encores come in, and people move closer to the stage. Now no one seems indifferent to that man who in ninety minutes managed to captivate everyone, revisiting some of the most beautiful pages of Italian rock.
Loading comments slowly
