Mauro Palmas: A Volte Ritornano

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: December 1, 1999

According to the press release, “ A Volte Ritornano is an important legacy to the next generation and beautiful homage to some of the most important social songs of the Italian history”. Beautiful it is, as vocalist/guitarist Mauro Palmas has assembled a diverse cast of Italian musicians equally proficient and experienced with jazz and Sardinian Roots music. Here, Palmas presents the listener with twelve pieces that “cover events from the Risorgimento to the Second World War”. The lyrics are sung in Italian, although there are liner notes written in English as the pleasing sounds and intelligent arrangements speak volumes.... a special language that appeals to the senses!

Simply stated the music is gorgeous, complete with emphatically stated melodies sung in decisive fashion. The music is folk-ish yet many of these pieces feature solid backbeats, mandolins, some rock motifs, a few doses of jazz and effective clarinet work from Gabriele Mirabassi. Whether or not you understand the lyrics, the music is radiant and somewhat magical as a sense of merriment prevails throughout. These musicians convey their message in conclusive fashion as A Volte Ritornano is a special event and – guaranteed to put a smile on your face. * * * 1/2

Web: www.inrete.it/robidroli/home.html

Record Label: Dunya Records
Style: Fringes of Jazz