Piccola Bottega Baltazar
Canzoni In Forma Di Fiore

THE REVIEW

Lovers of singer-songwriter music from Padua and Veneto were the first to get to know well the "Bottega" guys over the years. Just by looking at the lineup, you can tell that this is not your typical provincial rock band: two accordionists, a singer/guitarist, a double bassist - and occasionally a drummer - bring to life music rooted on one side in the best folk tradition, and on the other in the most esteemed Italian and international singer-songwriter music.

Those who remember their early concerts in the city taverns well know their passion for De André, Tom Waits, Capossela, but also for Astor Piazzolla and, in general, for jazz, cabaret, and retro atmospheres immersed in the Paduan fogs. All these experiences are brought to fruition in this second album, which is, however, the first where Piccola Bottega Baltazar expresses itself entirely with its own material, since their debut album ("Poco Tempo, Troppa Fame") was mainly an (excellent) reinterpretation of Fabrizio De André’s repertoire.

"Canzoni in forma di fiore" is instead a precious collection of original songs, songs that speak of ancient village stories as well as everyday provincial life, with valuable, poetic lyrics, including occasional experiments in dialect, and music that loves to return to its roots without hesitating to touch on swing, tango, and whatever else may be needed to give the right color to the song. All this supported by two uncommon qualities: great intelligence and good taste. Therefore, a note of merit should go to the skill, culture, and expert craftsmanship of the "bottegai", the warm rhythm of the double bass by the "mayor" Antonio De Zanche, the ancient suggestions of the accordion by Marco Toffanin and Sergio Marchesini (the latter also on piano), and the deep vocals and showmanship of Giorgio Gobbo.

Balanced, or rather in magical equilibrium, between the ambiance of a Parisian bistro and a tavern on the shores of the Venice lagoon, between timeless mists and truly ample red glasses capable, as the poet said, of "tasting the infinite".