Continuing our journey to discover Italian artists, let's delve into the early career of Lucio Dalla over the next three sessions.

 

Lucio Dalla, after an upbringing and adolescence marked by a passion for jazz, participated in the First European Jazz Festival in Antibes in 1960 with Rheno, where they secured first place among "traditional bands." During this time, he began writing his first songs, "Il prode invertito" and "Avevo un cane... adesso non ce l'ho più." Shortly after, he caught the attention of the Second Roman New Orleans Jazz Band, with whom he recorded in 1961, playing clarinet on a cover of "Telstar," released by RCA. By late 1962, Dalla joined the Flippers, a band comprising Franco Bracardi, Massimo Catalano, Romolo Forlai, and Fabrizio Zampa. Here, Dalla contributed as lead vocalist, clarinetist, and saxophonist. With the Flippers, he signed his first contract and participated in recordings with Edoardo Vianello. During this period, he performed at Le Roi Lutrario in Turin for several nights, often causing disputes with the venue owners due to his habit of performing barefoot. His vocal style, influenced by James Brown, was noted for its sudden tonal shifts; he was even recognized by Gino Paoli as Italy's first soul singer, who persuaded him to embark on a solo career during the 1963 Cantagiro. In 1964, Dalla released his debut 45 RPM record featuring "Lei (non è per me)" and "Ma questa sera." In 1966, he formed his backing band, Gli Idoli, with whom he released his first album "1999." His first hit, "Pafff...bum!," debuted at the Sanremo Festival. The following year, he returned to Sanremo with "Bisogna saper perdere." Subsequently, Dalla released less ambitious songs like "Lucio dove vai" and "Il cielo," earning him the critics' prize once again at the Festival delle Rose. His eccentricities became legendary, from wearing cherries on his ears to walking a chicken on a leash. In 1968, Dalla participated as a narrator and singer in the film "Franco, Ciccio e le vedove allegre," and the next year saw moderate success with the song "Fumetto," chosen as the theme for the children's program "Gli eroi di cartone." His second album, "Terra di Gaibola," released in 1970, however, saw poor sales.

 

Today's listening is a preview of what we'll explore in the next session, "4/3/1943."