BUTCH BALDASSARI
The Mandolin Tribute To Andrea Bocelli (CMH)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Recorded this year, The Mandolin Tribute To Andrea Bocelli is exquisite. From Tuscany, Italy, Bocelli is a blind tenor who is a disciple of Pavarotti. He specializes in classical and opera. Butch Baldassari wanted to honor one of the world's leading artists, hence this album. For the session Baldassari plays mandolins, with Van Manakas on guitars, Roger Hudson on nylon string guitar, and John Ownby on bass.

If you love things Italian, especially its music, this is a must buy. The group superbly complements each other with a deftness of touch that is enjoyable to hear. The music soars in its eloquence. Whenever I've put this disc on my stereo, someone inevitably asks "Who is this?" It's that good! The mandolin solos are concise and taut, well-crafted and flawless.

Having recently visited Tuscany, I was lost in a reverie soon after I began playing this disc for the first time. Even now after repeated listening, the music brings a wide smile to my face as it transports me back to the magnificent Tuscan countryside. Buy this recording, open a bottle of your favorite Chianti, make your favorite pasta dish, light some candles, and enjoy. Life doesn't get much better than this.

[Pick this up at www.cmhrecords.com.]

© 2003 - Ron Saranich