“Hey, admit it,” says Don Teolis. Everyone with an ounce of passion and verve for fantasy has thought about “doin’ it Italian style.” Given the vibrancy of the Italian culture, fun loving people have endeavored to eat like an Italian, dress like an Italian, and romance like an Italian at some point in their lives. Well, when it comes to music there are those who want to sound like Italians too…and no Euro-country has shaped and impacted the Euro-music scene like Italy.
Don Teolis, co-founder of the Italian musician’s organization Nuovogiorno (www.nuovogiornno.com), says “the modern groundswell of banging Euro pop is bliss, but there is a rich history and a breadth of flavors that have led us to today’s delectable dish of talent, and all come with a heaping side of “pop appeal. Today, I want to look back to the 1970’s pop scene in Italy. Anyone remember Adriano Celentano "Prisencolinensinainciusol" (1972)? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMoK0focAFE) Adriano Celentano hasn’t missed a beat for the last six decades and has rightfully earned the title of “trend setter.”
The lyrics of "Prisencolinensinainciusol" were intended to sound like American English to people who don't speak English. He and Raffaella Carrà, in a 1974 Rai Uno broadcast, delivered an awesome performance that passes the test of time with flying red, white and green colors. We need more of these “trend setters,” says Don Teolis. I’m placing my bets are on “Italia.”
Interview by Renata Spadavecchio, Viva Italia, NY
