Tazenda
Tazenda Reunion Live

"Till next time, bye Cagliari, it will happen sooner or later!"

But no. The 2005 performance at the amphitheater in Cagliari is the last documented performance of the real Tazenda, the ones with Andrea Parodi. Yes, because the following year the singer would die from an incurable disease. 

It could have been the final farewell, leaving with style. 

Parodi's last will, breaking a silence and a communication barrier with Marielli and Camedda that had lasted for almost ten years. The testament of the Tazenda. 

Instead, we witnessed "Vida" (2007), "Madre Terra" (2008), and "Il Nostro Canto" (2009), all rather mediocre works, crammed with reinterpretations, live performances, and questionable duets (E. Ramazzotti, F. Renga, G. Grignani, M. Carta). Beppe Dettori's voice could only make one miss the great Andrea. In short, these are tough years for Tazenda; there is a progressive and continuous decline in sales, concert dates, and creative inspiration is waning. All things considered, perhaps it's best if this tired planet dies once and for all.

It's now 2005. A year earlier, TV presenter Giuliano Marongiu finally broached (rumors say) the taboo topic: a possible reunion. First, Parodi speaks, then the other two. All three agree. It's happening.

Andrea Parodi is fresh from a splendid collaboration with Al Di Meola, has released some stunning solo albums (primarily "Abacada"), and is getting ready to enter the studio to sketch out "Rosa Resolza" with Elena Ledda.

Meanwhile, Tazenda have just released some decent albums ("Sardinia" in 1998, "Bumba" in 2005) and the beautiful live "Bios".

The anticipation is intense. Several dates are scheduled. Everywhere on the island, as hadn't happened for years, it's sold out. Here it begins: A recited part thanking the fans is followed by the wonderful "Desvelos", a stunning opening track placed appropriately to highlight Parodi's vocal potential.

"Carrasecare", a classic, followed by "Un Alenu 'e Sole", rightly rescued from an almost impending oblivion and relocated, with a magnificent reinterpretation, on the appropriate and deserved pedestal.

Among the "youthful" tracks like "A Sa Zente" and "Chelu Nieddu" is the famous "Pitzinnos In Sa Gherra", "Sa Festa", and "Armentos", retrieved from the singer's solo repertoire, the formidable "Mamojada" and the well-known "Naneddu". The album closes with the group's introduction and a reprise of "Carrasecare".

The cherry on top: "Till next time, bye Cagliari, it will happen sooner or later".

A record that was actually supposed to be a double. Several hits are missing ("Preghiera Semplice", "No Potho Reposare", "Disamparados" for example) that have yet to be "handled" properly and might form a possible Tazenda Reunion 2.

Also missing is my favorite song, "Astrolicamus", which became famous only in recent years (and is actually missing in the 1997 best of), but it seems that Parodi kept it to himself until his death, including the rights, and performed it only during his solo concerts.

Despite this, it is an excellent record, although Andrea's illness was beginning to manifest clearly and evidently, affecting him physically, and to a minor extent, vocally as well. 

Every time I am left with a bitter taste, and at the same time, a lump rises in my throat.

I spent my adolescence chasing down numerous British or American bands, not realizing that at home, on my island, I had a great band, dealing with topics, issues, and aspects of my land. And, moreover, using my language. Now that I am not even 20 years old, attending a Tazenda concert is not the same. With Andrea, it was (would have been) a whole different music.

You learn from youthful mistakes, as long as you follow the herd.

All I can do is listen to this record and keep imagining Andrea on stage, with all his energy and charisma.

For those who have had the same misfortune as me.