Across the Atlantic, Rock had already completely changed the music map and challenged the showbiz veterans, however good old Europe still thrived on heavily orchestrated institutions like San Remo festival. Even Italians managed to shock San Remo audiences with their own Rock-influenced "screamers" (Adriano Celentano and Mina) but back home in sleepy little Croatia we were still not ready for Rock and our pop stars were gentle crooners who idolised Italian nightingales like mighty Claudio Villa. Come to think of it, majority of continental Europe still listened safe, mainstream light pop where Italian Bel Canto tradition held the centre stage and gates were firmly shut to anything that might family audiences. Villa, of course, was a God amongst the best Italian singers and his shadow covered the whole continent - even in Netherlands, Willy Alberti made a splash with his recordings of Italian repertoire.
In Croatia, the best of all the young singers was Marko Novosel who had not only superb diction but spectacularly beautiful, ringing tenor voice and obvious love for Bel Canto Italian masters. If older Ivo Robić was our own Sinatra, young Novosel (than in his early 20s) was a fairytale prince with a golden voice and charisma that resulted in stardom. Considering that local discography was still at the very early stage, it is no coincidence that Novosel performed on every major festival, was amongst first singers to have his own solo recordings and in fact, recording companies used his appeal to pair him with every single female singer around. On this particular recording, young Marko Novosel sings covers of Italian ballads and is backed by impeccable orchestrated arrangements by Croatian composer, arranger, conductor and producer Nikica Kalogjera (who was 29 himself). They might be just Croatian version of Italian recordings but they are truly beautiful and singers voice is almost intoxicating. The recording oozes elegance, sophistication and class.
No comments:
Post a Comment