1. Why did they make this album? What was the passion or message that forced them to produce what they have? Or, simply what was their motivation for the themes they chose for this album?
“Stefano Panunzi was born in Rome and now lives in Torvaianica, Italy.” “He studied flute at the S.Cecilia Conservatory of Rome and Pedagogy of Musical Education.” “His musical career began in television, cinema and opera starting at an early age singing for the Renata Cortiglioni' R.A.I. (Italian State Television) chorus, and later with the Paolo Lucci' ARCUM chorus (http://www.myspace.com/stefanopanunzi, 2010).”
“As a flautist he performed in concerts as part of a quintet. As a vocalist he was involved in the works of some famous conductors among whom N. Rota, G. Pretre, G.L. Tocchi. E. Macchi.”
“During the 70s and 80s, Stefano has been involved in rock and new wave music, performing in some groups as a keyboard player.” “Later he began to work on soundtrack music for various types of short films for television, instruction and performances in general.” “Since 1980 he has been a teacher of musical education in secondary schools (http://www.myspace.com/stefanopanunzi, 2010).”
2. What message are they delivering through their lyrics and music?
State of Mind – Brilliant piano and orchestration opens this fine CD. Then Sirenee’s inspired vocals pour through the clearing, “Like water in my hair I’m flying.” A nice dreamy sequence of sound full of piano, drums, trumpet, guitar and keyboards. Mystical and a magical beginning to this project. The guitar and key solos in the middle are stunning. “Walking in the air, see the state of mind.” “It feels like flying.” The power of the piano fills the room with sound. The trumpet and eerie sound of Sirenee’s voice echoing off into the distance is a memorable effect.
Fades – Tim Bowness on vocals, with slow plucked guitar and keyboard effects filling the room. “Sometimes there might be blood.” “Sometimes there might be love.” Few vocalists know how to capture the power and emotion of those two lines. Theo’s flute adds powerfully to the effect of this song, and is highlighted well during the solo. Tim’s echoing, almost backing vocals, and the guitar riffs and keys make this the standout song on the disc for me. The guitar solo, along with the key orchestration help develop the dark/light emotion of the song.
On Line, Now! – Cool funky ‘disco with bass’ beat as the trumpet soars into the scene. Nice, nightlife cruising the streets of South Beach sound, with cool jazzy guitar riffs flying in all directions before the heavy riff pounces in. Perfect instrumental interlude.
Child of Your Time – “A thousand days, a thousand nights.” Sandra’s beautiful voice filling the room, with the accompaniment of strings and that warm piano sound. Soft drums and the launching piano surging ahead with strings following behind in pursuit. Feels like the ocean ebb and flow as the music envelopes your ears and surrounds you with feeling.
I Miss You – Now the sound of the ocean as the piano and synth sounds surround. Then Andrea’s Italian lyrics and vocals enter the sound. Drums, bass, and the continuously warm surrounding sounds of the ocean and synths creating that perfect atmosphere. Giovanna’s backing vocals supporting Andrea in harmony. Closing with that perfect piano and the ocean waves surrounding.
Unreality – Another instrumental interlude with complex keys and that trumpet sounding out through a cool fog. The guitars and keys really create a wonderful surrounding soundscape for dreaming or just thinking.
Where Is My Soul – Guitar and keyboards building that atmosphere, before the crashing drums and guitar enter with rhythm. Drums and percussion figure prominently on this one and sound perfect with the heavier guitar chords. Rhythm, yes, this music knows exactly how to capture that rhythm of nature in all its complex magnitude.
The Bridge – Cool keyboard effects to open this one. Then Giancarlo’s familiar vocals, “we crossed the bridge and down the valley.” “I saw your smile in the haze of the morning.” Remembering with fondness an old relationship. The guitar riffs in the middle sound a new direction for Giancarlo. Stefano’s surrounding keyboards creating that dreamlike atmosphere.
Tonight – The keys welcome you to an eerie atmosphere before the warm piano clears the way for Thomas Leer’s vocals. In the darkness wishing to be together with an old flame. Cool song full of mystery. “The streets still wet from ran, like mirrors reflecting the pain.” The cello is brilliant at lending a hand to the sad atmosphere and creating an overall feeling that is trancelike. (Editor: It should be noted that Christine Hanson provided cello for this song).
Lights and Shades – More warm keys to open this instrumental mix and close out the album with a performance to leave the listener with memories of emotions to take with them. The use of the cello, drums and cymbals for effect is wonderful. Another highlight of the album, perfectly timed to make you want to search out more and anticipate the next one.
3. Does this music improve, change, or add to the genre? What does the listener receive from listening to the music?
This album was a suggestion from Tim Bowness and like No Man and Giancarlo’s Nosound; it captures the power of nature and all of its dynamic presence so perfectly. The ability of Stefano and the other musicians on this album to build that power and emotion on CD is something I have really appreciated over the last year and a half since I found Nosound and No Man.
This album maintains that high caliber recording process and quality which is rare but growing in the field of art music. This music captures emotions we all feel throughout our lives and only wish we could find a soundtrack to play when these emotions are present.
The entire album is full of twists and turns of emotion and really demands your attention and your full appreciation. The listener is rewarded with a complete soundtrack to experience these emotions.
4. Does it have longevity? Is it something a fan will like to play again and again?
Absolutely. Rarely leaves my CD player since Stefano sent it to me. I have requested to review the rest of his collection based on the power of this album. It’s a keeper!
Rating: 10/10 – Fantastic album and I now want to hear more!
Reviewed by Prof on February 7th, 2010
