This is the first time I've ever listened to an Italian Blues band. At first I had to acquire a taste for this CD. The first few times I played CarpeDiem's newest release, "Naked Moods," I was nudged off balance from the unusual lyrics which are sung with a heavy, Italian accent. Maybe if the songs on this CD would've been sung in their native tongue, Italian, the inflection of the lyrics would've been different, and flowed smoother. Nonetheless, I salute the band for trying. It takes courage to follow your passion.
CarpeDiem is a five piece band from Caserta Italy. This band has performed at more than 200 gigs all over Italy. They have been seen and heard at the "I Macchia Blues Festival," in 1996, the "XIII Atina Jazz Festival," in 1998, as well as the, "II Beinnale Del Disco, " in Caserta, 1999. CarpeDiem describes their newest release, "Naked Moods,"
as nothing esoterical, just passionate and crazy for the blues. This is easily depicted when you listen to their upbeat, unique, fun loving, traditional blues tracks. My favorite on this CD was, "The PickPocket." I indulged in it's bluesy rythmn, as well as the delicious pick and slide of the guitar. This band has done something I've never
heard done before. They've mixed hot sex with the blues. It was strange to hear the "F" word used so frankly, and with so much force from a blues musician. However, Europeans have always been more open about their sexuality.
If you'd like to expand your blues horizon and listen to something very different from the rest, check out CarpeDiem's newest release, "Naked Moods." You can contact Massimo at healingmachine@yahoo.it
This review is copyright © 2001 by Mia Jennings, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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