Stefania and Nicola first came together as members of the
seminal 90s musical collective Fez, with Nicola leading the group. This period,
one full of inspiration and discovery, laid the seeds for Natural. Though
Stefania lent her enviable vocal talents to many bands over the years and
Nicola went on to an illustrious production career, outside of a handful of
tracks from Nicola’s album Jet Sounds, it was not until now that the stars
aligned enough to merge their musical sensibilities once again to access the
deep spirituality that is the core of their approach to sound. Stefania’s
ongoing musical journey, with and without Nicola, has ensured that her
connection to, and understanding of jazz runs deep, as she resoundingly
demonstrates on Natural. With Nicola’s expert knowledge of Brazilian jazz,
samba and bossa from the swinging 60’s (as is evident on the five ‘Viagem’
compilations he released with Far Out Recordings) he once again leads the way
from the production seat, resulting in album rooted deeply in the musical
history while providing the defining showcase for Stefania’s inimitable vocal
talents.
The album’s
title track serves as it’s lead single alongside a cover of Trio Ternura’s A
Gira. Natural, penned by Nicola, Stefania and guitarist Fabrizio Savino draws
together a smorgasborg of global influences boiled down to the essentials: a
propulsive Afro-rhythm bolstered by a searing funk guitar, whilst soothing
Rhodes chords provide a distinctly Brazilian warmth. Dipierro’s vocals are the
cherry on top: a heartfelt and enriching melody with which she fires on all
cylinders to unleash the many timbres of her voice.
A Gira, Trio
Tenura’s classic Brazilian rare groove is re-arranged and re-recorded with
Nicola Conte’s arrangement conjuring the same lazy swinging groove as the
original, but with a richer modern resonance. Heftier Hammond organ and
punchier percussion is again topped off with Dipierro’s sublime dulcet tones.
The single has all the ingredients for top quality Brazilian boogie and these
two tracks will no doubt whet the appetite for the album’s release in March. ~ Far Out Recordings
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