Search - Various Artists :: Canto Morricone Vol.1 - The 60s

The great film composer Ennio Morricone began his career as a composer, arranger, and conductor of pop songs in his native Italy. Il Maestro frequently utilized those skills and sensibilities in his film work, especially in European productions of the '60s and '70s, but those songs have been at best spottily represented on previous Morricone compilations. Bear Family's Canto Morricone series is a long-overdue examination of this wonderfully adventurous body of music. Volume 1 covers a gratifying and eclectic mix of songs from his early European comedies, dramas, and action-adventures. Morricone explores a dizzying array of styles here, from quirky cocktail pop and goofy spy rock to flamenco-tinged balladry and smoky Continental jazz--all of it infused with his melodic genius and impish arrangement instincts. Many of the performers and performances here may be unfamiliar to American ears (though some, like Mina's "Se Telefonando" were huge Italian pop hits), although the Sandpipers, jazz great Astrud Gilberto, and actresses Françoise Hardy and Catherine Spaak are all represented as well. It's a warm and welcome volume that may surprise even the most ardent Morricone admirer (though you'll find the liner notes long on film art and short on track and artist information). --Jerry McCulley