Caffeine Break!!!

I am having trouble focusing on my other writings (too much caffeine!) so I thought I would write about an album that is new to me although probably not newly produced. As you know, if you’ve read any of my earlier posts, I went to Italy in 1992 sort of to play music and to think about things. I stayed with a good friend of mine, who was also the guitarist I played in a band with, Leonardo Boni. He is truly a fabulous guitar player. We met, I don’t remember the year, back in Putney School in Vermont and established a decent rapport down through the years. I am introducing you to him here because not only was he a big part of my life for a while (in both Boston and Florence. He resides in Florence now.), but he has created a new album of music both original and cover songs which is now available (I think you can go to www.leoboni.com to order it). I spent an evening with Leo our last trip to Tuscany and was able to get my hands on a copy.

When we talk about guilty pleasures we talk about something that is so deeply satisfying that it must be, has to be, bad for you and therefore burdensome in a guilty way. The pleasure comes right from your toes up your spine and makes your scalp ache (at least it does to me!). That is how I feel about what he has created here, Leo has hit a guilty chord within me and if you would take a listen, I am sure you will feel the same way. The childlike innocence and joy with which he plays each song treating it as a wake up call for happiness, even those tunes that are wrapped in a sad sounding package. From Louis Armstrong, to Tom Waits, his vocals run through texture and timbre resonating well with the Mediterranean/swing/gypsy sounds that he has developed. Leo has been playing many genres of music for many years and here I think he has hit his stride with a happy traipse through the landscape of his (and mine) beloved Tuscany otherwise known as Toscana. If you are looking for a guilty pleasure that is non fattening nor fatal if swallowed, give a listen to Sogno Toscano, it will be, I’m sure, habit forming.

 Sogno Toscano is a window into the heart of a musician who is truly smitten by the history, vitality and beauty of the land he calls home. I would recommend to all; give him a shout and ask him for a copy! I have tried to set up links to his site and to youtube for a sample. I hope they work!

Anyhow, I am having trouble sitting still so until next time I get jumpy…enjoy!