Antonella Vizzini is a Canadian-based performer, songwriter, vocalist, and composer. With a career spanning more than three decades of experience as a vocalist, Antonella’s repertoire includes several genres, such as pop, jazz, and classical music among others. She places a strong emphasis on her Italian and Latino roots in her music and sings in both Italian and Spanish. It’s hardly surprising given that her new album is titled “My Italian Romance” and comprises of classical Italian songs hand-picked by Antonella herself. Her musical origins began at an early age due to the fact her own father was a musician. At 16, Vizzini began singing professionally, first at church weddings and than with various bands around Canada. As her repertoire evolved and diversified, Vizzini took private vocal lessons with the late Bill Vincent, who taught speech-level singing, a method pioneered by Los Angeles vocal instructor Set Riggs. She has won first, second, and the third positions in music competitions hosted by the CNE’s Rising Star and Chin Radio’s Italian Canadian Song Festival on three separate occasions. At addition, she has performed the National Anthem at the Air Canada Centre for Toronto FC and the Toronto Rock, as well as in Nathan Phillips Square
In this album, Antonella blends classical elements with a contemporary atmosphere; and of course, the vocals serve as a focal point for the entire thing as they are quite powerful. This Album’s distinctiveness comes from the variety of genres it incorporates. It has elements of rock, jazz, and even opera. All in all, it’s a fantastic approach to modernizing older music.
The Album’s opening track, “E Penso A Te”, is a magnificent introduction. Antonella’s powerful vocals provide a solid foundation to the song as well as the entire album. The piano arrangement provides balance as well as elegance while still preserving the music’s classic vibe. The harmonies between the two vocalists in the second track “L’Appuntamento” create the song’s delightfully tranquil flow. It’s imbued with an intensely romantic tone. Another magnificent interpretation of an Italian classic, “I’ Te Vurria Vasa” was designed to be performed before a large audience. This artist unquestionably possesses one of those coveted skills, as her performance cannot but captivate the listener even if they cannot understand the language.
“Parole Parole Parole” is simply a song I could listen to forever. The incorporation of modern hip-hop percussion patterns and soulful Saxophone solos adds a new dimension to the production. Vizzini utilizes the Brass and guitar arrangements to impart a groovy and jazzy feel to this track. The style of the composition is complemented by the vocalist’s versatility. Hands down, the best track on the album!
The next two tracks are a contemporary rendition and a stripped-down acoustic version of the same song, “Dicitincello Vuje.” To be honest, I can’t determine which version I prefer more since they both bring something incredible to the table. In the backdrop of the first version’s contemporary arrangement is an electric guitar and stabbing rhythms. Meanwhile, the acoustic version allows you to hear the unadorned vocals accompanied by a calm classical guitar; it’s a fantastic transition.