Code:
CVLD384B
THE METRONOMES:
Francesco Michielin, voice, kazoo, chorus, "vocal trumpet"
Carlo Piccoli, piano, chorus
Stefano Fedato, drums, chorus
Now it is a wedding dress shop, but in 1994 the music roared in the legendary Bar Dolomiti of Conegliano. Francesco Michielin, Carlo Piccoli and Stefano Fedato still did not know that for the next six (six!) years they would step on the stages of the Italian music scene under the timeless name of Metronomes. Who, that evening thirty years ago, had the privilege of witnessing the birth of this group can boast of having witnessed an event of inestimable rarity and importance, equal perhaps only to the discovery of America or the passage of the comet Hale-Bopp. And in fact I boast, I boast. And while I boast, I insert into my old CD player their new album: "Trent'anni fuori tempo".
After thirteen years of the release of the wonderful "Adamo, Let’s Swing!" , the Metronomes are back with this beautiful anthology of their record production from 1997 to the most recent times. Then, with the insertion of four new pieces, the album acquires new life and shows us how these eternal guys are good or bad remained the same as those who, thirty years ago, gathered at the Bar Dolomiti. Of them everything has been said and written. The story of their spectacular live performances moves on the tightline that separates reality from true legend.
It is said, for example, that the singer, sumptuous vocalist with a goatee-like head as a horse - I saw him a few weeks ago dressing up in a wig and glasses while he was monkey-ing Elvis - is actually a very precise maniac of order. They say he keeps all the lyrics of the songs, written by himself, in ten huge volumes that he carries with him at the concerts. They also saw him assemble a complicated device called "portaspritz" without which he does not face the concert.
They also say that the drummer, once playing As Time Goes By, gave such a speed to the swing rhythm that it made the chopsticks smoke (fortunately the innkeeper had the fire extinguisher and behind him a thorough training in safety in the event of fire). For him these years don’t seem to be past, he always shows thirty years old, has all his hair and not one white (the other two jealous metronomes say that he dyes them), but especially while playing at hell rhythms he smiles and enjoys himself like a child.
The pianist, who uses his left hand as a double bass, is also a strange guy. Someone tells that you sound exclusively moved by your ear (one ear only moving ten fingers? But what kind of prodigy is this?). He doesn’t try or study the songs, but if you ask him for a song, he can play it with the precision of a jukebox. And while he plays, he beats his feet and always waves out of time: it remains a mystery how the song goes to time while he follows who knows what other internal rhythm.
From 20 April 1994, several barrels of red wine have passed through the burning uvula of the singer Francesco, and black and white keys under Carlo’s fingers, and calluses and chopsticks in Stefano’s hands. Yet, the legend of the Metronomes continues to amaze us, make us laugh and beat our feet under the table.
Franco Ceci Colpis
SIDE A - 18:54
L. Chiosso, F. Buscaglione - Ciao Fred! 2005 - Marco Strano, sax
THE METRONOMES:
Francesco Michielin, voice, kazoo, chorus, "vocal trumpet"
Carlo Piccoli, piano, chorus
Stefano Fedato, drums, chorus
SIDE A (new recordings 2024):
HD Digital and Analog Recording made by Andrea Valfrè at Magister Recording Area, Preganziol (Italy) on October, 8, 2024
Analog mix and mastering made by Marco Lincetto at VLS Studio, Naquera (Spain), on November, 1, 2024
SIDE B:
Analog and HD Digital Recording made by Marco Lincetto at several different locations, i.e.:
- "Adamo, Let’s Swing", 2011 and "Ciao Fred", 2005, Magister Recording Area, Preganziol
- "Radio Days", 2000, Papillon Studio, Padova
Analog remix and remastering made by Marco Lincetto al VLS Studio, Naquera (Spain), on November, 1, 2024
Production: Marco Lincetto and The Metronomes
Executive producer: Marco Lincetto
Graphics layout: L'Image
Cover design: Giorgio Munari
Photo: Luca Calconi
