SOUNDS LIKE A MELODY!
November 2003
IVAN FILLETTI - EP
Filletti’s new material transcends the
blues he has become renowned for.
OK, first things first! The title of this article by no means implies
that Filletti’s earlier material was not melodic. In fact as frontman
for Filletti & Friends, Ivan developed his vocal technique quite
candidly, with a strong blues imprint adding to his style.What his new
material uncovers primarily is a singer willing to venture beyond
familiar terrain into pastures new. Some may call it starting over, and
to an extent it is, for Ivan even had to endure some tasking vocal
coaching for this solo project.
There had already been signs of a shift in Filletti’s musical plans –
for example his performance at last year’s Teatru Unplugged completely
overlooked the blues in favour of a more laidback Latin flavour. Also,
Ivan’s recently acquired taste to investigate music by ’new’ artists was
a further catalyst in his bid to diversify. Teaming up with
multi-talented musician Boris Cezek, who many will recall from his days
in The Flying Alligators, The Refugees, Quicksand and more recently his
work with Kristina Casolani, Ivan found the support to take his rough
song sketches one step further – into the studio. Here, an essential
role was taken on by producer Howard Keith of Farmhouse Studios, and the
group effort actually rendered very positive results, as many of you
will understand better once the handful of songs hit the airwaves, which
should be any day now!
The special preview session at Farmhouse Studios was cosy to say the
least. The intimacy of the studio provided an ideal setting - I was
after all, about to hear songs that up to that day had been strictly
personal. Sharing them with those present was like letting us sneak a
look into Ivan’s diary and indeed, the songs all possess a warmth that
runs parallel to their diverse musical textures. Cold Heart for example
will probably go down well for its catchiness. Apart from not sounding
like the Ivan we know, both in direction and vocal style, this
uncomplicated rock tune, lightly sprinkled with some blues touches for
good measure, is a classic example of the pop rock fusion that is making
waves on the contemporary music scene, both locally and abroad.
In contrast, the second track, 20 Minutes, seems to shy away from
instant mainstream appeal, although I have to admit it is more my kind
of song – melodic but with a melancholic twist and rounded off with some
pronounced Jagger-isms reflecting Ivan’s passion for retro rock. The
third and last track we listened to was Me - lyrically revealing a sense
of vulnerability but musically embracing poignancy while unveiling
strength in character. The three songs - diverse in stride and mood yet
all connected by Filletti’s leap into new territory – all point to a
positive outcome in Ivan’s self-imposed musical repositioning, and you
can certainly expect to hear more of this solo venture!
Recommended weblink: fillettiandfriends.tripod.com
