THE MODERN SOUND OF MUSIC
March 2003
SIMON VELLA - SCORES
For a relatively young chap, Simon Vella certainly displays a veteran
quality on the violin. Having already established a name for himself via
regular appearances around the island, as well as guesting on other
people’s recordings, including IQ’s recent hiphop radio hit Evolution,
Vella takes his music to the next level with Different Scores.
The selection here is certainly vibrant, eclectic to the core, flitting
from the young virtuoso’s own interpretation of familiar classical
pieces such as Rigaudon and The Flight Of The Bumble Bee to the more
contemporary sounds of Dawn or Spread Your Wings, which also features
vocals from leading singer Chiara and local rapper Pen-Demonium of
hiphop duo IQ. While retaining the elegance of classical finesse, Vella
has also infused a mainstream characteristic into the music, bringing in
the added energy of modern electronic rhythms (Rigaudon, Bumble Bee) as
well as the gentle sound of acoustic guitars (Thoughts). Elsewhere,
Vella also borrows a few bars for inspiration and momentum, blending
Rondo Veneziano and Smetana into his classically-tinged pop!
It is also worth mentioning that Vella wrote seven of the ten tracks on
this album, a clear sign of his gift as a composer besides being a
talented musician. With a little help from his friends (namely Chiara,
Roger Tirazona, Keith Muscat, Daniela Grech and Pen-Demonium), Vella’s
Different Scores makes its case as a contemporary approach into the
realm of classical music, an effort that rates well alongside similar
releases from signed artists like Bond, Vanessa Mae or Nigel Kennedy.
Expect to hear more of this young man!
Recommended weblink: coming soon!
