Angela Mia - Vic Damone

 

Arrivederci, Roma

Angela Mia
Vic Damone
Orchestration under the direction of Glenn Osser

Arrangements by Glenn Osser
Photo: Harold Lang
Columbia Records CL 1088
1958

From the back cover: That strange combination of romance, melancholy and melody that makes up the Italian popular song is treated to one of its most sympathetic examinations in this new collection by Vic Damone. Long considered one of the finest singers around, Vic has a special feeling for these songs, and it is evident in his interpretations, which are thoughtful and fascinating. It is all too easy to take songs such as these and wind up with a spongy set of sounds that strive too earnestly after a "Mediterranean" atmosphere, a peril that Vic and conductor Glenn Osser neatly side-step by treating the music with familiarity, affection and a relaxation that is altogether winning.

One of the most immediately noticeable aspects of these songs is their rolling gait, derived perhaps from the old barcarolles, a gait that sends the melodies soaring into a pleasingly romantic atmosphere. Vie Damone, with his Italian heritage, is particularly identified with such songs, and brings to them an easy mastery of their idiom. From the beginning of his career he has displayed a natural fondness for them, and many of them are almost inseparable from his interpretations. In this collection he sings them mainly in English, although including an occa- sional half chorus in Italian, and his approach throughout is keyed to an intimate approach. This is not to say that there are not moments of full- throated lyricism, but his basic idea is that of the serenade rather than the concert.

Among the songs that may be familiar under other titles are Just Say I Love Her ("Dicitencello vuie"), You're Breaking My Heart ("Mattinata") and I Have but One Heart ("O marenari- ello"). Conversely, Non dimenticar may also be known as "Don't Forget," Luna rossa as "Blushing Moon" and Anema e core as "With All My Heart and Soul." Glenn Osser's arrangements and conducting of these songs is keyed to the basic idea of a serenade, and skillfully underlines its romantic Italian character without overwhelming the melodies.

The Damone family arrived in America shortly after the first World War, bringing with it the Italian passion for music that found its outlet at first in home concerts, sung by Vic's father, with his mother at the piano. A houseful of music is contagious, and young Vic sang along, expanding his activities to include school presentations and at fifteen-radio, when he made his first major appearance on Station WOR. Soon thereafter Vic got a job ushering at the Paramount Theatre, where he watched and heard most of the great stars in popular music. Later, as an elevator operator, he made a captive audience of Perry Como, who advised him to take his singing seriously. An appearance on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was caught by Milton Berle, who promised to help him along with his career, and soon Vic was singing at La Martinique, famous as a spot where many young singers won their first major attention.

In 1947, Vic was given his own radio show, and in 1950, made his movie debut. His records were among the best-sellers every year, and, save for a two-year intermission serving with the Army in the United States and Europe, there has rarely been a time when his records were not among the most popular. Recently he has been seen on his own television show, an easy-going and appealing presentation.

Married to one of the most luminously beautiful young movie stars, Pier Angeli, Vic may have had a special feeling in mind when he recorded these songs; whatever the occasion, his singing is warm, vibrant and velvety, and his interpretations of the songs is richer than ever. This is the charming new collection Damone fans have been waiting for, and the verdict is a resounding Che bellezza!

Angela Mia
Tell Me You're Mine
Arrivederci, Roma
Just Say I Love Her

Non Dimenticar
'O Sole Mio
You're Breaking My Heart
Serenade In The Night
Luna Rossa
I Have But One Heart
Anema e Core
Tell Me That You Love Me