Album review: Bobo Rondelli, A Famous Local Singer (Ponderosa)

There are many parallels between “Tuscani superstar” Rondelli and his label mate Vinicio Capossela. Both Italian singer-songwriters like to mix and match their genres, throwing tango, rock, funk and jazz into the mix. But Capossela just about has the edge, largely because his arrangements are more adventurous and his songs have deeper resonance.

Rondelli is not helped by the production here, which is a little bit airless in places, creating a sonic claustrophobia that is only partially lifted by the presence of the versatile and punchy brass band L’Orchestrino (who do New Orleans swagger just as efficiently as they do Balkan punch). The title is apparently a wry comment on fame. So now you know.