Steve Albini
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Steve Albini

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"Steve Albini's CD Italia"

Everyone is gaga over Italy and Italian food these days but show me the music!

So we'll focus on an American talent Steve Albini from the San Francisco Bay Area, California. After years of playing the California wine circuit (Napa's Copia and Santa Rosa's Festa Italiana), Albini, on accordion and vocals, finally records his tasty sampler of Italian songs con sapore. Albini is assisted by brother Dave on trumpet, Jim Lehmann on drums and Josh Jones adds the Latin percussion.

Focus tracks include a smokin' version of the oft-covered Maruzzella; a real butt-thumpin' cover of the Latin hit Quando, Quando, Quando; and the reggae-infused L'Italiano. Steve uses his accordion to full effect when things slow down on the cabaret number La Danza, as well as a shout out to Argentina's favorite rhythm on Tango Delle Rose. There's even a respectable lounge version of the Italian sing-a-long Ciao Ciao Bambina. His rich voice shines best however on the Italian-English ballad Resta Cu'Mme.

Liner notes would have helped to distinguish the different Italian rhythms (I almost said spices) and some background information on the song covers would add to our appreciation. But like rich tomato sauce we can savor Italia even without knowing the complete recipe.
- David Sharp KBBF Radio and Music International. www.globalnotesmusic.com


"Recording Session with Elaine Lucia"

Yesterday was a really fun day in the studio! I had decided that on one song in particular, an accordion would add a beautiful ambiance, a little bit of sparkle, to an already great arrangement that Gerry Grosz wrote for me. The song has a tango or rhumba feel to it, and I sing the last half of the song in Italian.

So, I hired Steve Albini, a really great accordion player (and an even greater singer!) to come in and add a little spumoni to the song…and it sounds so cool, I LOVE it!

It was a very interesting process, as Steve has such a different (and lovely) sense of melody/harmony than I do. And working with another chordal instrument was challenge, since I’ve already got piano, guitar and vibes providing the harmonic/chordal structure underneath the songs. So - how to add accordion without making everything sound muddy?

Luckily, it was really easy, with Steve! We did several tracks, and I sang the parts that I wanted him to play. He did a great job, but it wasn’t quite what I was looking for.

I decided to open the bottle of Italian red wine he had brought to the session (my kinda guy!) and we took a little break, enjoying the excellent bouquet and flavor of the wine and talking about Music, Life, Kids, and I also reminisced about my days singing at the Sons of Italy in upstate New York, oh soooooo long ago!

Anyway, that was enjoyable, but time to get back to work! I told Steve: “Now - just ignore everything I’ve told you to play, and play as if you’re on stage, in front of your own band, performing this song. Do whatever you want!!

Well, that was the ticket! He had incorporated my suggestions, but went with his own feelings, and of course, as usual, that worked beautifully. He did a great job, and he’s such a sweetie, too.

I’ve always wanted to add accordion, and now I have. Very soon I’ll begin posting some song samples so you can hear it!

- http://elainelucia.com/blog/?cat=1


Discography

2007 CD release
ITALIA

Photos

Bio

For over two decades Steve Albini has been enchanting audiences throughout the United States and Italy with his blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion, and charismatic presence. Through his performances of traditional and modern Italian music as well as American jazz and popular standards, Steve has become a true international artist. Steve’s musical career began after participating in and winning numerous instrumental and vocal competitions. He has appeared on stage with popular Italian singer Frankie Fanelli and performed for many well-known personalities such as singer Al Martino, singer/musician Jose Feliciano, Sen. Diane Feinstein and former Secretary of State Alexander Haig.

An acclaimed singer and musician (MIDI/acoustic accordion and guitar), Steve performs Italian music infused with world and Jazz rhythms. Some of his influences include: Domenico Modugno, Renzo Arbore, Renato Carosone, Leda Battisti, Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare, Paco De Lucia, Gipsy Kings, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, Bill Evans, Chucho Valdes, Bobby Darin, Guiseppe DiStefano, Astor Piazzolla, Art Van Damme, Pino di Modugno, Leon Sash, and Richard Galliano.

Besides being a solo artist, Steve has collaborated with many other musicians in various styles and genres. As a studio musician Steve is often called upon by artists, composers, and producers to add his touch to their projects.