Four Flies launches its new jazz series dedicated to top Italian soundtracks from the 1960’s with this extraordinary work by Piero Piccioni: 3 NOTTI D’AMORE (3 Nights of Love). Originally released in 1964 on CAM – CMS series, this record had a very limited pressing, and is considered one of the grooviest and jazziest scores composed by the legendary Italian maestro. Thanks to the support of an exceptional big band, Piccioni shapes a unique cool style, supported by a truly exotic and percussive rhythm section (“Come on Rome”, “Just For Fun”), full of charming flute phrases (“The Easy Way”) and baritone sax passages (“Pop’s Lolly”), and beautifully played by the two great soloists, Gino Marinacci and Gato Barbieri. Piccioni himself plays the piano on all the tracks, and created a magnificent, dynamic and sophisticated soundtrack. Pressed for the first time in its integrity, this soundtrack includes some missing numbers from the original record, and presents others in their extended full versions, such as “Sally’s Surf” (compiled in the essential Easy Tempo series). A superb album featuring marvelous tracks – from bossa to pop-jazz – this original soundtrack also features a couple of tracks by Carlo Rustichelli; two dreamy, sensually vocalized melodies. One of Piccioni’s lesser known masterpieces that truly embodies that golden time period, and a real beauty for every 60s jazz lover.
Shipping class: lp
lp
BACKGROUND DISCO
Just say Background Disco and you’re quickly reminded of the super-groovy sound that pervaded certain sequences of 1970’s Italian films, generally set in discos or clubs with a strong presence of music. Soul, disco, and funk tracks playing in the background, between a dance on the floor and a glass of J&B at the counter, that were supposed not to overcome the dialogues. Two of these jewels, signed by Alessandroni for the sexy comedy FRITTATA ALL’ITALIANA (1976, Alfonso Brescia) and previously released by our label in the collection LOST & FOUND (Four
Flies Records 2017), definitely deserve the upgrade to the 12’’ format.
Therefore, they are proposed in a new edit designed for the dancefloor, each in a double version: the sung one (by
lesser known Lorena, a member of Alessandroni’s vocal band I Cantori Moderni) and the instrumental one.
LIBRERIE MUSICALI
With the main intent to pay homage to the soul-jazz labels like Blue Note, Verve, Stax / Volt and the Mod style, Dancefloor Stompers finally arrive at their first studio album after reaching propensity for “cinematic” taste through the work for different performances, reading-concert and commissions for short films.
LIBRERIE MUSICALI starts with the intent to merge these different experiences, trying to put together passion for black music (soul-jazz, rhythm’n’blues, Hammond sound and funk) and fascination for the great music for cinema, television and radio, in particular produced in Italy between Sixties and Seventies.
Devotion to those models is clearly stated by the attempt to reproduce sound, instrumentation, recording and mixing techniques, graphics… risky choice in times of digital recording and plugins. Not a simple nostalgic attitude, though. More the desire and curiosity to rebuild the taste for research, the great joy of interpretation or the arranging creativity that you could breathe, for example, at the Italian RCA and RAI TV studios of that time.
That’s why, besides the basic quartet (drums, bass, guitar and organ/keyboards), we can listen also saxophones, trumpets, trombones, flute, vibraphone, percussion, harmonica, 12 strings guitar, ancient instruments such as harpsichord and fortepiano, string section, recorded mostly live, except for some overdubs.
A special set that tries to blend the groove of Booker T. & The MG’s, The Meters, JB’s, Horace Silver and Jimmy Smith with a beat & orchestral sound typical of Marc 4, Piero Umiliani, Ennio Morricone, Stelvio Cipriani, Armando Trovajoli, Franco Micalizzi, Gian Piero Reverberi. Without forgetting the overseas examples of Lalo Schifrin or Jerry Goldsmith and the most modern ones like Corduroy, BBNG, Adrian Younge. The result is a riot of organ riffs, guitar phrasing, explosive horn section and ultra-syncopated rhythm section.
Like the music for a TV series that has not yet been written…100% BLACK & CINEMATIC GROOVE!
AFRICA OSCURA
Recorded by composer and multi-instrumentalist Giuliano Sorgini between 1974 and 1976 in his studio in Prati district in Rome, a stone’s throw from Italian television offices, Africa Oscura is a set of tracks inspired by the wildest and most obscure secrets of those lands, intended to be the background of some tv documentaries.
Some tracks were recorded during the same session of Zoo Folle, the album widely recognised as his masterpiece, celebrated today by the most influential connoisseurs from all over the world. Some others came right after, for a mysterious documentary whose title was supposed to be “I corsari della savana” (as stated by the credits written on the reels that we have found).
All these tracks remained unbelievably unreleased until now, forgotten on some old and dusty ¼-inch reels, amazingly survived up today, then transferred and restored to compile this much-needed release. A sort of concept-album about darkest Africa, with a kind of eerie mood, nearly esoteric, to which Sorgini was very close in these years, working on horror and b-movies soundtracks or experimental libraries.
All tracks are entirely played by composer himself, with drums, percussions and all sorts of analog synths overlaps, to create an afro-ambient soundscape, something halfway between electronic and minimalism, with a vibrant prog flavour. Among John Carpenter’s reminds, occultism, large prairies and Saharan landscapes, this amazing score truly reveals the creepy dark-side of Zoo Folle.
LA SCHIAVA IO CE L’HO E TU NO
Thanks to the partnership between roman labels and distributors Cometa Edizioni Musicali, Beat Records and Four Flies Records, one of the most iconic and essential works by Piero Umiliani has finally emerged from the archives. Recorded at Ortophonic studios in Rome in September 1973, La schiava io ce l’ho e tu no is the original soundtrack of a Giorgio Capitani’s movie with Lando Buzzanca and Chaterine Spaak, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after productions from the famous Italian composer, and whose original LP has now considered as a kind of holy grail among the most serious worldwide record diggers.
The reason is maybe the magnificent quality of the composition and the arrangements, written by the Maestro himself, who reaches here one of his top-level creative peaks ever. His music is the quintessential Italian sound for 70’s sophisticated comedy: an unmistakable flavor now carved into our imagination, blending samba-bossa rhythms, funk guitars, dynamic and airy strings, but most of all, those brilliant choirs, always functional in relation to movie’s mood (performed here by ominpresent Cantori Moderni di Alessandroni in a leading role). Together with the sensual vocalisms of Edda Dell’Orso, they truly represent the identity of an entire genre.
The release of this double LP makes us really proud, not only because it brings to light one of the most fresh and topical soundtracks of Piero Umiliani, but also because, after a long and patient research work, we have had the chance to locate the original master tapes with the complete recording sessions of the soundtrack.
That’s why we are able to present here, in addition to the LP’s original track listing, 23 tracks never before released in any format, revealing Umiliani’s compositional eclecticism and his ability to transition effortlessly from jazz to funk, easy listening to symphony. Personal memories by Umiliani’s daughters enrich this edition through their contributions to the liner notes, giving us a familiar and intimate perspective about the composer’s private life.
The Pawnshop (white sleeve)
The Pawnshop (black sleeve)
ESTERNO GIORNO D’ESTATE
Musiche leggere e gaie [Light and joyful music] – to use the title of a collection from the RCA SP series in which some of these tracks could have ended.
Listening to the record, you can perfectly breathe the unmistakable atmosphere of certain movies of that time: a luxurious world of cocktail parties by the pool, countryside escapes, and scuba diving. Sets that could have been easily found in a variety of genres, from cool ‘musicarelli’ and mondo-movies to sexy comedies, thriller, poliziotteschi and TV
documentaries.
ESTERNO GIORNO D’ESTATE brings together unreleased material and tracks from a number of hard-to-find library music LPs. Among the artists featured are: Carlo Pes & i Marc 4, Alberto Baldan Bembo, Stelvio Cipriani, Alessandro Alessandroni, Nico Fidenco and Gianni Oddi.
ESTERNO NOTTE JAZZ
ESTERNO NOTTE VOL. 2
AFRO DISCOTECA ★ digital release
The Italian label embarked on another journey of rediscovery, a specialty they seem to master.
The destination of this trip was a dusty vault in Africa, where a famous Italian musician moved years ago…
The Italian film and TV industry provided in the 60s and 70s countless opportunity for talented musicians to compose and produce a rich variety of music: soundtracks, library music, experimental music – an infinite amount of recordings that still represents a paradise for the most curious and passionate diggers.
So here we have the proof that there’s still lot to discover. Alessandro Alessandroni is one of those pioneers, a maestro that built the legend of Italian soundtracks and library music along with Ennio Morricone, Piero Umiliani and many others. His vault testifies how prolific had been those times, with hundreds of tapes and obscure recordings from that period. Among the many, a dusty tape bearing the hand-written label “Afro Discoteca” captured the attention of Four Flies.
The music contained in the tape had never been released until now.
When he listened to the tracks, Italian legendary DJ LEO MAS (one of the undisputed inventors of the Balearic sound) told us: “It is surprising to listen to something that sounds so modern… This EP is the perfect union of Afro influences and Italian taste. There’s something Afro lounge here but also incredibly cinematic – it makes me think of John Carpenter’s atmospheres. B1 (Afrodiscoteca) reminds me of clubs I’ve been in Malindi in the late 70s and the closing track is absolutely spellbinding. This is wonderful.”
PAOLO SCOTTI, head of Déjà vu Records and an authoritative Italian jazz expert said: “Alessandroni’s contribution to music is huge, he’s a great musician and a great experimenter. Afrodiscoteca sounds like it’s been produced yesterday by a DJ of our times, an absolutely surprising EP and proof of Alessandroni’s spontaneous genius!”
LOST & FOUND
Four Flies Records keep on researching Alessandro Alessandroni’s limitless archive, compiling this time an LP of tracks composed between 1972-1978
All the tracks were previously unreleased and are presented here for the first time – a truly ‘Lost & Found’ treasure that sees the light for the first time!
After the incredible success of Afro Discoteca (Four Flies Records, 2017), Pierpaolo De Sanctis compiles a 15-tracks LP of forgotten soundtracks and library music treasures from the Italian Maestro
Jazz, Disco, Electronic music – there’s no genre Alessandroni hasn’t explored – this compilation testifying the incredible diversity of his production and immense musical mind
IO, EMMANUELLE
The score was composed and arranged by Maestro Gianni Ferrio, who created one of his most famous and iconic soundtracks ever, with music that perfectly follows the neurotic character of the young protagonist – from moments of intimacy and introspection to others of insanity and madness. The result is a terrific cocktail of the best late 60’s Italian grooves: orchestral beat, r’n’b, jazz and avant garde numbers, with an essential contribution of “I Cantori Moderni di Alessandro Alessandroni” (vocal and choir) and featuring Gino Marinacci on flute. One of the rarest records from CAM archives is finally back in the spotlight, remastered from original master tapes and pressed on 180gr vinyl, including an inner sleeve featuring original movie artwork by renowned Italian cinematic painter Sandro Symeoni.
AFRO DISCOTECA (new edition)
The Italian label embarked on another journey of rediscovery, a specialty they seem to master.
The destination of this trip was a dusty vault in Africa, where a famous Italian musician moved years ago…
The Italian film and TV industry provided in the 60s and 70s countless opportunity for talented musicians to compose and produce a rich variety of music: soundtracks, library music, experimental music – an infinite amount of recordings that still represents a paradise for the most curious and passionate diggers.
So here we have the proof that there’s still lot to discover. Alessandro Alessandroni is one of those pioneers, a maestro that built the legend of Italian soundtracks and library music along with Ennio Morricone, Piero Umiliani and many others. His vault testifies how prolific had been those times, with hundreds of tapes and obscure recordings from that period. Among the many, a dusty tape bearing the hand-written label “Afro Discoteca” captured the attention of Four Flies.
The music contained in the tape had never been released until now.
When he listened to the tracks, Italian legendary DJ LEO MAS (one of the undisputed inventors of the Balearic sound) told us: “It is surprising to listen to something that sounds so modern… This EP is the perfect union of Afro influences and Italian taste. There’s something Afro lounge here but also incredibly cinematic – it makes me think of John Carpenter’s atmospheres. B1 (Afrodiscoteca) reminds me of clubs I’ve been in Malindi in the late 70s and the closing track is absolutely spellbinding. This is wonderful.”
PAOLO SCOTTI, head of Déjà vu Records and an authoritative Italian jazz expert said: “Alessandroni’s contribution to music is huge, he’s a great musician and a great experimenter. Afrodiscoteca sounds like it’s been produced yesterday by a DJ of our times, an absolutely surprising EP and proof of Alessandroni’s spontaneous genius!”
MILANO TREMA: LA POLIZIA VUOLE GIUSTIZIA (THE VIOLENT PROFESSIONALS)
three years later, with lots of flutes, clavinet, frenzied percussions, deep basslines and experimental effects.
The result is a disturbing atmosphere of suspence, always on the verge of exploding in deep piano notes that highlight the most violent moments of the film. With the main theme “Blue Song”, repeated several times with endless instrumental variations, the De Angelis brothers set a dark-romantic atmosphere which becomes a manifesto of disenchantment and the perfect accompaniment for the detective story.
Four Flies Records, in collaboration with BLOODBUSTER EDIZIONI, is proud to present the complete soundtrack for the first time on vinyl (only the two songs of the movie were published before on a 7”-inch by RCA), featuring exclusive liner notes by the film’s director,SERGIO MARTINO.
STUDIO UMILIANI
• Four Flies Records explores Piero Umiliani’s Sound Work Shop archives to select rare and unreleased tracks• First archive compilation of Piero Umiliani’s work for the Rome-based record label and the first one focussing on Piero Umiliani in recent years
• Exotica, psychedelic jazz-funk, proto-trip hop: this selection is a cross-cutting portrait of Umiliani’s activity during the golden years of his Sound Work Shop, the studio-laboratory where he has been playing, creating and experimenting with total freedom from 1969 to 1983
• The compilation will be released as a limited edition 2LP, accompanied by Four Flies’ Pierpaolo De Sanctis liner notes and archive images
Four Flies Records strikes again, releasing their first archive compilation of Piero Umiliani’s work and the first compilation focussing on the Maestro’s legacy in years.
“Studio Umiliani” is a collection of sunken treasures and hidden beauties yet to be re-released, and of stunning unpublished works surprisingly unknown for quite some time. The project, born from the initial effort of Andrea Fabrizii, who has far and wide been exploring Umiliani’s soundtracks before anyone else, led Four Flies research to seek for new unreleased recordings at the Maestro’s archive.
A challenge that Pierpaolo De Sanctis from Four Flies Records accepted without hesitation – with the help of the Umiliani family. His two daughters Alessandra and Elisabetta Umiliani, true keepers of their father’s memory, together with their husbands Francesco Argento and John Linkowski, and of course, Piero’s wife Stefania Baffa, have been pivotal in compiling this exciting project.
The result is a cross-cutting portrait of Umiliani’s activity during the golden years of his Sound Work Shop, the studio- laboratory where he has been playing, creating and experimenting with total freedom from 1969 to 1983.