u
g l o b a l    n o t e sTM   .  .  .   

Listen to MUSIC INTERNATIONAL with DAVID SHARP every Sunday night
on KBBF-FM 89.1 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (PDT) Santa Rosa, California

...and now (and then) on the world wide web at: KBBF RADIO


Steve Albini's Italia: An album review

albini Everyone is gaga over Italy and Italian food these days but show me the music!

So we'll focus on an American talent Steve Albini from Vallejo, California. After years of playing the California wine circuit (Napa's Copia and Santa Rosa's Festa Italiana), Albini, on accordion and vocals, finally records his tasty sampler of Italian songs con sapore. Albini is assisted by brother Dave on trumpet, Jim Lehmann on drums and Josh Jones adds the Latin percussion.

Focus tracks include a smokin' version of the oft-covered Maruzzella; a real butt-thumpin' cover of the Latin hit Quando, Quando, Quando; and the reggae-infused L'Italiano. Steve uses his accordion to full effect when things slow down on the cabaret number La Danza, as well as a shout out to Argentina's favorite rhythm on Tango Delle Rose. There's even a respectable lounge version of the Italian sing-a-long Ciao Ciao Bambina. His rich voice shines best however on the Italian-English ballad Resta Cu'Mme.

Liner notes would have helped to distinguish the different Italian rhythms (I almost said spices) and some background information on the song covers would add to our appreciation. But like rich tomato sauce we can savor Italia even without knowing the complete recipe.

Go to MySpace to hear his new album.



SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA LATIN & WORLD MUSIC EVENTS

Napa
06/11/08 - Orchestra Baobab (Mali) @ Napa Valley Opera House
Rohnert Park
NOW thru June 30 - Grafica Contemporanea de Mexico (Mali) @ Sonoma State University Library
San Francisco
05/20-21 - Santana w/ Carlos Santana @ The Fillmore
05/25/08 - Rosa Passos (Brazil) @ Herbst Theater

Go To Stories & Reviews

KBBF-FM Radio Playlist
FEBRUARY & MARCH 2008


1. Claude Gomis (Senegal) - Seeds of Baobab - Run and Tumble
2. Guateque All Stars (Spain) - Euro Groove - Putumayo Records
3. Sidney, George & Jackie (Jamaica) - Jamaica Funk - Soul Jazz Records
4. Los Cafres(Argentina) - Latin Reggae - Putumayo Records
5. Saba (Mogadishu) - Jidka (The Line) - World Net Records
6. Victor Axelrod (US) - Ticklah vs.Axelrod - Easy Star
7. Federico Aubele (Argentina) - Panamerica - Soul Jazz Records
8. dj Dolores (Brazil) - I Real - Crammed Discs
9. Ba Cissoko (Guinea) - In the Name of Love Africa Celebrates U2 - Shout Factory
10. Toumani Diabate (Mali) - The Mande Variations - Nonesuch Records

Hear the Music International show every Sunday night
7 pm to 10 pm on KBBF 89.1 FM listener-supported radio Santa Rosa, CA

Send notes and comments

Copyright © 1998-2008 All Rights Reserved
Web site by Simple Twists tm