Luca Bassanese – Reset! (Ola Olas Music/AIDA Music, 2023)
Luca Bassanese, a renowned Italian songwriter and recipient of numerous accolades, presents his latest album, “Reset!” This thrilling and joyful recording emerged from a creative process that unfolded across various stages and hotel rooms. Bassanese divulges that the songs on the album were crafted during rehearsals before concerts, while traveling on the tour bus, and during stays in hotels.
Following an extensive concert circuit throughout Europe with his ensemble, the Piccola Orchestra Popolare, “Reset!” aims to serve as a pivotal milestone in Luca Bassanese’s artistic career. The album comprises a collection of previously unreleased tracks, which have come to define the author’s artistic signature. Bassanese has graced some of the most prominent stages in the European world music scene, including Sziget in Hungary, Paléo Festival in Switzerland, Bardentreffen in Germany, and Nuits Metis in France, to name but a few.
Stefano Florio, the producer, co-author, and label manager of AIDA music, describes “Reset!” as a collaborative endeavor characterized by invigorating and lively compositions. These energetic songs highlight the powerful folk melodies that Bassanese and his ensemble have been presenting on Italian and European stages for several years. Florio emphasizes that “Reset!” stands apart from market-driven paradigms, which they have long considered detrimental to their artistic expression and musical narrative.
Among the tracks featured on the album are “Canta per la vita,” “Piove,” “Carnevale,” and the eponymous track, “Reset.” These compositions encourage collective participation, while others delve into existential and societal themes, such as “Lascia tutto e vieni qui,” “Anima bella,” and “Libera.” In the song “Ridi pagliaccio,” Luca Bassanese collaborates with the album’s special guest, lyric tenor Amadi Lagha, successfully merging operatic elements with folk rhythms.
The album also includes a thought-provoking composition titled “Soldati buoni e Soldati cattivi” (Good Soldiers and Bad Soldiers), which reflects upon the human folly inherent in warfare. Bassanese elucidates, “War constitutes a grave affront to humanity. It is challenging to remain indifferent amidst the mundanity of everyday life, especially when one seeks to portray the surrounding world through music and lyrics, endeavoring to uncover every fragment of beauty within it.”
Luca Bassanese pays tribute to the folk songwriting tradition in two tracks on “Reset!” He delivers a spirited and harmonious rendition of Fabrizio de Andrè’s “Bocca di Rosa” while reinterpreting “Bella ciao” as a duet between a man and a woman, emphasizing the song’s universal significance as a defense of civil rights.
Bassanese, a multifaceted artist known for his ecologist mindset, accordion virtuosity, soulful vocals, and poetic prowess, exemplifies the essence of the new Italian folk movement. Alongside his Piccola Orchestra Popolare, he navigates freely between the exuberant universe reminiscent of Fellini, the lively and celebratory rhythms of the traditional tarantella, and the enchanting ambiance of Balkan ensembles. His live performances are characterized by a vibrant and socially immersive atmosphere, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.
Musicians: Luca Bassanese on lead vocals, accordion, piano, stomp box; Stefano Florio on guitars, mandolin, bass, synthesizers, and backing vocals; Massimo Tuzza and Tommaso Maddalena on drums;
Elodie Lebigre on lead and backing vocals, tamburello and kazoo; Domenico de Nichilo on trumpet;
Tommaso Maddalena on drums and percussion; and Lorenzo Fongaro on theremin.
Special guest: tenor Amadi Lagha
Buy Reset!
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.