LATIN-CONTINENTAL SOUND OF THE SIXTIES PART IV – ITALIAN ACCENTS AND MORE

 [Photo: Waterfront vista, Santa Margherita in Liguria, Italy]

The Latin-Continental Sound of the Sixties is probably one of my longest running banners on this blog. It is no surprise that the inspirations of the easy living mood around the Mediterranean continue to produce a rich bounty of musical astonishments that you should add to your personal easy listening collection. In this round I feature Connie Francis singing Italian favorites with a large orchestra, trumpeter Nini Rosso, Mateo Bocelli, as well as Pepe Jaramillo’s hard to find 1969 LP remastered on CD – ‘Latin Piano in Japan’. One might as well add in 1969’s collaboration between French Italian songstress Caterina Valente and Edmundo Ros and his Orchestra on the 1969 LP ‘Nothing but Aces’.

First up, this was a huge discovery for me. A double CD remaster of Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites (1959-60) and More Italian Favorites (1960). This is probably one of the finest crossover recordings of Italian popular canzonas. Connie Francis sings with true panache reminiscent of what one would expect of zestful and celebratory Italian culture.  Francis’ pronunciation, to even an untrained ear like mine, comes across as authentically emotional and heartfelt. According to the author of the liner notes, Francis put her heart into these productions. It was not simply about making a buck. The producer was even concerned that given the large orchestra contracted for these two albums, Francis might not muster sufficient loudness to avoid being overwhelmed by the instruments. The results speak for themselves. Every one of these tunes is sweetly arranged with Francis literally forming an integral part of the Italian song. The tenderness and subtle inflections in her voice are endlessly enticing on every song. Needless to say, listen to ‘Mama’, ‘Volare’, ‘Non Dimenticar’, ‘Ciao Ciao Bambina’, ‘Come Back to Sorrento’, ‘Funicula’, ‘Summertime in Venice’ and ‘Return to Me’, and you can imagine that Italy has come to you through your speakers, across time and across the oceans. And in the way Francis sings, you must nearly swoon at her talent!

Comm'e Belle A Stagione

Anema E Core

Arrivederci Roma

You Alone (Solo Tu)

Volare (Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu)

Non Dimenticar (Don't Forget)

Toward The End Of The Day

Ciao, Ciao, Bambina

Mama

Do You Love Me Like You Kiss Me? (Scapricciatiello)

I Have But One Heart (O'Marenariello)

There's No Tomorrow

Santa Lucia

Come Back To Sorrento

Guaglione

Senza Mamma E Naumarata

Just Say I Love Him

Funiculi, Funicula

Summertime In Venice

Roman Guitar

Torero

Nights Of Splendor

Tell Me You're Mine

That's Amore

Return To Me

The Loveliest Night Of The Year 

From one easy listening Italian to another – surprise – Matteo Bocelli’s 2026 album ENAMORARSE on DECCA. Matteo is of course, the son of the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli. This new version of Matteo Bocelli's recent album Falling In Love features Spanish-language versions of songs like "Falling In Love," "Loving You" and "Cuando Cuando Cuando.". Equally attractive are Bocelli’s English language interpretations and new songs. Francis Lai’s classic film theme ‘La leçon particulière’ gets a soulful treatment in English as ‘To Get to Love You’. The lyrics can be taken out of the context of the 1968 film (about illicit romance between an older lady and a young university student) and interpreted as something akin to Nat King Cole’s ‘Too Young’, Sinatra’s ‘I Can’t Get Started’ or the Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’. But this is sung with an Italian vibe rather than a standard pop ballad. This makes all the difference. ‘Glimpse of Happiness’ in English also showcases how Bocelli takes a Jon Batiste composition blending soul and gospel into sunny morning territory. ‘Mi Historia Entre Tus Dedos’ is a breezy ballad sung in duet by Matteo Bocelli and Gianluca Grignani, reprising the sort of ‘two guys lamenting the loss of their girlfriends over several glasses at a bar’ formula pioneered by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson ala ‘To All the Girls I’ve Love Before’ from 1984. ‘No Hay Otro Igual’, ‘Si No Estás Aquí’ , ‘Amnesia De Amor’ are extremely pleasant mid-tempo love songs sung in Spanish that add up to standard easy listening vocals that one  would associate with a villa by the Mediterranean. The set closes with the famous neo-operatic ‘Caruso’ (sung in quite a standard tone without invoking comparisons with Mario Lanza) and the show stopper ‘Cuándo/Quando…’. ‘Cuándo’ seems fresh all over again because of Matteo’s effortless tone and near perfect diction. This version should actually set a new standard alongside Engelbert’s and Andrea’s from years ago.

Tracklist:
1. To Get to Love You
2. Falling in Love
3. Mi Historia Entre Tus Dedos
4. No Hay Otro Igual
5. Que Eres Tú
6. Glimpse of Happiness
7. Ingenuo
8. Si No Estás Aquí
9. Amnesia De Amor
10. Angel in Disguise
11. Caruso
12. Cuándo, Cuándo, Cuándo

Next up, my review ought to dedicate the spotlight to a famous trumpeter from Italy who has conquered the easy listening world: Nini Rosso – The Sparkling Trumpet Sound. Made in Japan and released in 1992 as SRCD 8111, 8112, 8113, 8114, 8115 and 8116. Detailed track descriptions – in Japanese – in every one of the booklets accompanying each of the six CDs, so I don’t think there was a central single booklet to this box set. Nini Rosso stands out from the entire spectrum of easy listening trumpeters with his lush trumpet sound, patterned after what sounds to me like a ballad artiste, usually backed by what sounds like a 20 piece string orchestra with some pop instruments added to the lineup. Rosso therefore transforms each tune into his own ‘adagio’ (slow tempo tune) and he takes his own elegant time blowing out each note as his own artiste. Take ‘Stardust’, ‘Il Silenzio’, ‘The Jewels of the Madonna’, ‘Ebb Tide’, ‘La Lecon Particuliere’ or the Japanese melody ‘Hana’ for instance – each boasts a unique tone under Rosso’s considerable arranging and playing skills. Some highlights for me: (a) Disc 1 needs no introduction since it was Rosso who made a hit globally out of ‘Il Silenzio’ (The Silence) and others on the selection; (b) Disc 2 is worth the whole set since it demonstrates how adaptable Rosso’s trumpet is when tackling eternal standards from popular song, including tunes made famous by the French EZ orchestras like ‘La Reine de Saba’, ‘Penelope’, ‘Les Champs Elysees’, and the mind blowing mid-tempo version here of Mauriat’s ‘El Bimbo’ which sounds as if it is inspired by a fiesta rather than a disco dance floor.  Also ‘The Way We Were’ is given a neo classical reading that brings out the wistfulness and regret at the heart of the melody without being overshadowed by the strings. (c) Disc 3 pays tribute to mostly 1960s film themes from Italy, France and the occasional ‘spaghetti western’ and brings out the special lounge factor that one can associate with the martini and wine vibe of the many brown, yellow and red striped music lounges of that era. (d) The nostalgia overflows with Rosso taking on virtually every Italian folk and pop song that has ever crossed over into EZ listening world; and (e) the celebrations of light classical melodies and familiar Japanese folk melodies shines the spotlight on Rosso’s lyrical penchant for elegant melody with long slow passages that flesh out the large brushstrokes one associates with bold art on canvas. Listening to this mega set, one fully appreciates why Rosso is almost always included in Victor Japan’s many LP and CD compilations to add musical magic to the concoction of sound pleasure…

Track listing

Vol.1:  Plays Original Hits

1	Il Silenzio [‘Trumpet in the night sky’ in Japanese retitling]
2	Ballata della Tromba
3	Wednesday night [an original composition by Rosso]
4	Quel Vagabondo
5	Sogno
6	Adoro
7	Roses for You
8	Tu Che M’Hai Preso Il Cuor
9	Soleado
10	Angels’ Theme
11	Nostalgia
12	Capriccio Romantico [an original composition by Rosso]
13	Serenade from Schubert
14	Al Mio Amore
15	Concerto Disperato from the film ‘Marica O Crapa’
16	Wonderland by Night
17	Music Written on the Leaves [an original composition by Rosso]
18	Starlight Melody
1	Vol.2:  Plays Forever Standards   Concerto pour une Voix
2	Stardust
3	Penelope
4	La Reine de Saba
5	La Paloma
6	The Way We Were
7	Ebb Tide
8	Three Coins in the Fountain
9	Estrellita
10	Europe
11	What a Wonderful World
12	Feelings
13	El Bimbo
14	Les Champs Elysees
15	Tombe la Neige
16	Quiereme Mucho [Yours]
17	Amapola
18	My Way
	Vol.3:  Plays Evergreen Screen Themes
1	“The Godfather” Love Theme
2	La Ragazza di Bube
3	Gelsomina
4	Deguiello from “Rio Bravo”
5	Che Voule Questa Musika Stasera
6	Cancion de Marcelino
7	Sinno Me Moro
8	El Cristo del Oceano
9	Theme de “La Lecon Particuliere”
10	La Dedico a Te
11	More
12	A Man and A Woman
13	Love Theme from “Sunflower”
14	Plein Soleil
15	Anonimo Veneziano
16	Le Passager de la Pluie
17	Romeo and Juliet
18	Midnight Blues
19	Theme from "Love Story"
20	Italian Theme from “The Sicilian”
	Vol.4:  Plays Italian Melodies
1	O Sole Mio
2	Al Di La
3	Una Lacrima Sul Viso
4	Luna Rosa
5	La Novia
6	Napoli, Fortuna Mia
7	Un Anno Amore
8	Ciao Ciao Bambina
9	Anema e Core
10	Core N’grato [Catari Catari]
11	Non He L’eta
12	Torna a Surriento
13	Volare
14	La Pioggia
15	Come Prima
16	Mama
17	Dio, Come Ti Amo
18	Arriverdeci Roma
	Vol.5:  Plays Pop Classicals
1	The Jewels of the Madonna
2	Pearl Fishers
3	Sogno D’ Amore
4	Fur Elise
5	Recuerdos del la Alhambra
6	Adagio (Albinoni)
7	Air on the G string (Bach)
8	Largo (Handel)
9	Canon (Pachelbel)
10	Hungarian Pastorale
11	Clair de Lune
12	En Aranjuez con tu Amor (Rodrigo)
13	Ninna Nanna (Brahms)
14	The Swan
15	Symphony No. 40 First Movement (Mozart)
16	Marcia Turca (Mozart)
17	Pavane for the dying princess
18	Tristezza (Chopin)
	Vol.6:  Plays Japanese Melodies
1.	Shiretoko Love Song
2.	Jogashima no Ame
3.	Hokiko
4.	Kitakami Yakyoku
5.	Yoimachigusa
6.	Yukino Furu Machio
7.	Hana
8.	Chugoku Chiho No Komoriuta
9.	Wasurenagusa O Anatani
10.	Kurenai Moyuru Okano Hana
11.	Biwako Shuko No Uta
12.	Hama Chidori
13.	Sakuragai No Uta
14.	Gondola no Uta (Gondola Song)
15.	Mashiroki Fuji No Ne
16.	Shimabara Lullaby
17.	Azami no Uta
18.	Itsuki No Komoriuta
19.	Yashi no Mi
20.	Hito O Kouro Uta

Pepe Jaramillo’s 1969 LP ‘Latin Piano in Japan’ tries to perform on piano what Rosso had done with the trumpet in transfiguring Japanese folk and pop melodies.

A1		Blue Light Yokohama
A2		A Flower And A Butterfly
A3		I Really Dont Want To Know
A4		Tokio Lovers
A5		Secret Of Last Night
A6		Angel Love
B1		Seasons For Young Couples
B2		Feeling Alright
B3		I Only Live Twice
B4		You've Known Me Too Well
B5		Little Finger
B6		Miyohara

 

My review here does not have the benefit of reading the LP’s original liner notes. The EMI remaster on CD exclusive to Singapore and Malaysia merely acknowledges Y. Ichinose for arrangements and declares that the album was recorded entirely in Japan. This was ostensibly part of EMI’s 100th anniversary celebration and carries the registration number 724385635021. What is noticeable here is that Latin rhythms blend seamlessly with the Japanese penchant for smooth flowing melodies. Very few sharp changes of tempo and key are evident. It also appears from the credits that Jaramillo himself penned two pieces: ‘Tokio Lovers’ and ‘Miyohara’. Jaramillo’s talent is not just on full display, it is equally the genius of setting Japanese folk and pop melodies to congas, maracas and percussion. This album was a delight because every tune flowed so enchantingly taking you on a flight of imagination somewhere between cosmopolitan central Tokyo, Yokohama and Mexico City bars, the plazas in Quito, or La Paz in Bolivia. Most tunes are like storied streams to the ear, their water courses tell of love, infatuation or simply escape to a happier place. The recipe for this album is easily reminiscent of the creative energy behind Bossa Nova exponent Antonio Carlos Jobim celebrating Brazil’s culture outside its main cities, especially the soft tones of narrating tragedy and heartbreak through melodic form. 

Finally, here’s yet another gem from 1969: NOTHING BUT ACES featuring Caterina Valente with Edmundo Ros and his Orchestra. Released worldwide as Decca – PFS 4157. But in the USA and South America it was released with a much more artistic cover as seen below:

 

The version I have listened to comes out of DECCA PHASE 4’s one off release in 2017 of an extremely unique and selective NICE AND EASY BOX SET of 40 CDs that were highlights of the Phase 4 series of lounge and easy listening albums. 

What is refreshing is how restrained the late Miss Valente’s singing is on this one. This is not a bad thing. I suppose she had to blend her sound with that of Ros’ orchestra. The result is literally hit after hit – nothing indeed but aces if you follow the card game analogy. ‘La Bamba’ is a sure-fire opener and the duet between orchestra and singer sets the whole album alight with keen anticipation. ‘El Tonto En La Colina’, the Beatles’ hit known as ‘The Fool on the Hill’, is distinct as a mid-tempo Bossa Nova from the version covered by Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 from the year before. Valente manages to strike a tone in Spanish that is wistful, romantic and mildly mocking of an estranged lover. ‘La Peregrinacion’ will surely set you dancing and singing along with what is essentially a Latin waltz with mariachi vibes, while this album’s upbeat version of ‘Be In (Hare Krishna)’ is a nod to the late 1960s cult following of the Beatles’ brief embrace with hippie culture. BUT Valente and Ros take you to a carnival in Rio instead with Ros taking on some singing parts! There are plenty of softly rendered Bossa and other light Latin romantic moments in ‘Sabor a Mi’, ‘Maria Elena’, and ‘Samba de Verao’. That last number is of course better known as ‘Summer Samba/So Nice’. On this one, Valente breezes you into a gentle summery mood with such a tone that will have you believe that everything will be perfect under azure skies set against balmy beaches. And finally, it is back to Brazil with ‘Canto De Ossanha’ as a song of joy, celebrating life wherever you are! 

A1		La Bamba Arranged By – Ros* Written-By – Trad.*
A2		Azulao Written-By – Ovalle*, Bandeira*
A3		El Tonto En La Colina [The Fool On The Hill] Written-By – Corcega*, Lennon, McCartney*
A4		La Peregrinacion Written-By – Ramirez*, Luna*
A5		Sabor A Mi Written-By – Carrillo*, Mitchell*
A6		Sueno Que Estoy Junto A Ti = Dream A Little Dream Of Me Written-By – Alpin*, Andree*, Kahn*, Schwandt*
B1		Be In (Hare Krishna) Written-By – MacDermot*, Ragni*, Rado*
B2		Samba De Verao Written-By – M. Valle*, Gimbel*, P. Valle*
B3		O Meu Violao Written-By – Trovajoli*
B4		Maria Elena Written-By – Barcelata*, Heagney*
B5		La Rosita Written-By – Stuart*, Martens*, Dupont*
B6		Canto De Ossanha Written-By – Powell*, De Moraes*

 

ALAN

SEPTEMBER 2026