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(L-R) Antonio Perna, Cristian Capasso, Simona De Rosa, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa and Domenico De Marco (Photos by New York Scugnizzo)
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By Giovanni di Napoli
Last Thursday I returned to the Italian American Museum for a special live performance by Neapolitan jazz sensation Simona De Rosa. It was special because the vocalist was reunited with her longtime bandmates Inside Quartet, who were in town to support her recent gala at LaFrak Concert Hall. This was one of just a handful of gigs the band lined up before returning to Naples, and I did not want to miss it.
Introduced to the enthusiastic audience by Museum President Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, the Quartet flawlessly weaved in and out of their vast catalog of Neapolitan and jazz standards, showcasing their eclectic influences and musical prowess. They brilliantly executed songs from their self-titled CD, as well as many fan favorites, including a latin flavored interpretation of Torna a Surriento requested by Dr. Scelsa. |
Singer-songwriter Simona De Rosa is an incredible talent with an amazing voice
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Without question, my favorite was their version of O’ surdato ‘nnammurato*, a famous Neapolitan song written in 1915 by Aniello Califano. During the performance, I couldn’t help but notice Simona’s eyes glisten in the spotlight as she evoked the enamored soldier’s yearning for his sweetheart. Simona is a gifted singer and her passion for her hometown shines through her music.
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Percussionist Domenico De Marco laid down some heavy beats on snare drum, keeping the audience clapping, tapping and bebopping
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Cristian Capasso is an electrifying bassist, whose animated expressions are as entertaining as his complex bassline grooves
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Pianist Antonio Perna was a whirlwind of improvisation on keyboard. Humorously, Simona poked fun at Antonio’s seriousness, asking him to smile for the audience—which he happily obliged
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Neapolitan Jazz trumpeter Fabio Morgera was spotted at the show
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[* Fun Fact: O’ surdato ‘nnammurato has become the team anthem for S.S.C. Napoli and can be heard echoing in stadiums each and every game day.]
