Guitarist Osvaldo Di Dio paid tribute to Pino Daniele with his new album 'Blues for Pino', released on January 10. This musical project celebrates the tenth anniversary of the death of the famous Neapolitan singer-songwriter, a tribute that highlights the meaning and impact of the blues in Italian musical culture and beyond.
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An exceptional lineup
The album features a selection of special tracks, including 'Nun Me Scoccià' with Robben Ford, 'A Me Me Piace 'O Blues' with Mario Insenga, and 'Ue Man!' with Raiz. Other highlights include 'Ce Sta Chi Ce Penza', 'Maronna Mia', 'Yes I Know My Way', 'Puozze Passà 'Nu Guaio', and ''Na Tazzulella 'E Cafè', demonstrating a deep connection with Daniele's work. Collaborating on the project are prominent names, such as Gigi De Rienzo, Ernesto Vitolo, Lele Melotti, and Rosario Jermano, all musicians who have worked with Pino.
The album's initial success
The album debuted with two live concerts, the first at the Teatro Nuovo in Martina Franca, Taranto, on January 5, followed by an event at the Blu Note in Milan on January 9. Published by ODD Music and distributed by Warner Music Italy, the album was partly recorded at Eastcote Studios in London, under the supervision of sound engineer and producer Chris Kimsey.
An iconic guitar
An interesting curiosity concerns the guitar used by Di Dio for the album: the Gibson ES-175/CC, the same guitar with which Pino Daniele recorded some of his most famous works, including 'Nero a metà', 'Vai mò' and 'Bella 'mbriana'. This instrument was lent to the guitarist by Eros Ramazzotti, who received it as a gift from Pino Daniele himself.
Article published on 18 January 2025 - 17:02
The album 'Blues for Pino' seems like a nice initiative to remember an important artist like Pino Daniele. I'm interested in knowing more about the songs and collaborations, I think they are very significant for Italian music.