Emilio Pericoli and Al Di La - Beyond the Beyond

Just a few weeks ago, I received a comment to my blog discussing Luis Miguel and his version of Cuando Calienta El Sol. Essentially, this reader said she preferred the slower, heartfelt ballad version - at least in the case of Cuando Calienta El Sol. And I indicated that I understand - music is in the ear of the beholder - as it were. And I welcome any and all opinions!

I am always open to new and often times, upbeat spins on old standards. And there are times when the old adage applies - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Sometimes, the original, at least for me, is the best.

And that's where we come to Emilio Pericoli and the Italian love song - Al Di La. Though Emilio was not the first to perform this exquisite song, you could say he put it on the map when he performed it in the 1962 romance movie - Rome Adventure, starring Troy Donahue, Suzanne Pleshette, and Rossano Brazzi.

Sure, the movie is fun, sappy, and very typical of that era. (And admittedly, Rossano Brazzi is always a plus in any movie! ) But the standout for me is Emilio and his heartfelt rendition of Al Di La (which means Beyond). The song becomes the theme throughout the movie. Al Hirt even performed an upbeat rendition during a bar fight scene in the film- and it didn't cut it for me. And later, many others covered the song - including Connie Francis (a lovely version) and Jerry Vale.

But to this day, Emilio's Al Di La leaves my knees knocking.

For more on Emilio Pericoli, click here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilio_Pericoli as well as it his website - http://www.spettacolo.it/h_pericoli.htm.

Here are the lyrics for Al Di La:

Al di lá del bene più prezioso, ci sei tu.
Al di lá del sogno più ambizioso, ci sei tu.

Al di lá delle cose più belle.
Al di lá delle stelle, ci sei tu.
Al di lá, ci sei tu per me, per me, soltanto per me.

Al di lá del mare più profondo, ci sei tu.
Al di lá de i limiti del mondo, ci sei tu.
Al di lá della volta infinita, al di la della vita.
Ci sei tu, al di la, ci sei tu per me.
La la la la la... La la la...

And the English translation - more or less:

Al di la means you are far above me, very far
Al di la, as distant as the lovely evening star
Where you walk flowers bloom
When you smile all the gloom turns to sunshine
And my heart opens wide
When you're gone it fades inside and seems to have died

Al di la, I wondered as I drifted where you were
Al di la, the fog around me lifted, there you were
In the kiss that I gave was the love I had saved for a lifetime
Then I knew all of you was completely mine.

There is a reason that Emilio Pericoli is still regarded as the most romantic voice of Italy.

I've also included a clip from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGMC9A_k6zQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmP_-laNBl8&feature=related

Next time: Bond!

How Many Ways Can you Sing Sway? Michael Buble' Shows Us!

The first time I heard Michael Buble' was during the end credits of the romantic comedy movie - Down With Love. As I listened to his rendition of For Once in My Life, I was watching carefully to see (as they were rolling credits) the name of this wonderful crooner. I had goosebumps. Finally, I saw the name - Michael Buble' - and rushed to the computer to look him up and immediately bought his CD - titled - Michael Buble'.

Now bear in mind - this gifted young man, from Canada, was born in 1975. Yet, Buble' has a deep understanding and interpretation of the old standards from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Buble' possesses that big band sound and 60s crooning (which many of you know I adore). And I guess it goes to show- age certainly isn't an issue when it comes to music appreciation. In other words, you don't have to have lived in that era to appreciate a particular genre'.

For more information on Buble's background, I've enclosed a link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bubl%C3%A9.

Now on to his music: I was especially moved by his rendition of Sway. Sway has always been one of my favorite songs and I always regarded Rosemary Clooney's version (from the album Touch of Tabasco, 1959) as the quintessential. Who can argue with this sultry version, backed by the Mambo King - Perez Prado.

And yes, Dean Martin's version has to be credited -another fantastic 60s crooner!

Then I heard Buble's rendition of Sway. No doubt, he still croons the tune, but the tempo has been kicked up a notch or two. It's hot and punched and yet remains sultry and smooth. His orchestra has that full-bodied sound that I personally love. I will tell you - I had this version in my head for weeks (still do from time to time) and quite honestly, I believe Rosemary would have approved!

Later, I heard another slightly kinkier version by the Pussycat Dolls and have to say, I love that as well. This Sway version was featured in the 2004 film - Shall We Dance and it so fits the theme of the movie!

Back to Buble' - I recommend all his CDs. I especially appreciate his version of Come Fly With Me (guaranteed to give you goosebumps) and while I would prefer a slightly punched-up version, Buble's Quando, Quando, Quando (duet with Nelly Furtado) is not bad! And his covers of Mack the Knife, I Got You Under My Skin, and Moondance are sure to please!

To sum up this review, Buble' gets it and he's got it going on!

Here are some YouTube clips for your enjoyment -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWp0Psq7xjE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPXZBLtq6DM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFPvKGL69kE&feature=related

Next Time - Emilio Pericoli!