MORRICONE IN LOVe
In a fusion of live music and cinema, Italian ‘Giallo’ films provide a sublime backdrop as Fiona Staniland and band explore the haunting wordless female vocalize of Edda Dell’Orso and the psychedelic lounge tripiness of Ennio Morricone’s cult erotic thriller scores of 1968-72.
Expect a triptastic mix of hypnotic jazz rhythms, bossa beats, soaring soprano and avant garde expressionism – all to a stunning backdrop of the original film visuals. Think Alain Delon wrestling 6 foot black eels off the Sicilian coast, 60 year olds in ecstatic orgies and naked women found dead in fridges…plus other rare treats.
Photos by Agnieszka Ramm
“I thought it couldn’t be done, or that no one would ever dare attempt the classic Giallo wordless jazz sounds, but there she was on stage, dressed as the Woman In A Lizard’s Skin, charming us all with her introductions and blowing us all away with her fine interpretations of souring, erotic vocalize. The near impossible has been successfully achieved and all the audience just wanted was more, more, more.”
“Great Morricone film scores live, with Fiona Staniland mastering those ethereal wordless vocals - Is it Jazz? Is it Pop? Is it Classical? - No it’s Italian! Behind the band, well selected visual moments from the weird and wonderful world of Giallo movies, highlight strange Italian obsessions with physical perfection, sex and death in bizarre settings, or fashion (when there are any clothes). The attention to detail in these films is echoed in the spot on singing and playing of Fiona and the band.
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“One of the best nights I’ve had for ages - really! A magical mix of some of the most under-rated and underplayed parts of the epic Morricone catalogue coupled with clips from films I never thought I would see...The images alone would make it a fun evening…The fact that alongside that you’ve got this amazingly beautiful vocal instrument and sensual, weird, tripped out music is the icing on the cake. Even if I wasn’t a Morricone nerd I’d still have had a fantastic night!”
“Immaculately conceived, Morricone in Love! leaves an indelible imprint on the imagination and the soul. Even now, three days after the show, the scenes and accompanying melodies of such sublime and hypnotic beauty are swirling in my head. Utterly unique, this is an experience not to be missed.
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“A beautiful and sexy show. I was transported to a place I’d like to spend a lot more time, full of Italian romance and great clothes - on singer, band and screen!
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Vocals, Keyboard / Fiona Staniland
Keyboard, Orchestration/ MD / Nick Ramm
Brass, Wind and Guitar / Gerry Hunt
Guitars / Jon Gingell and Jonny Phillips
Bass and Double Bass / Tom Mason
Drums / Chris Preece
Lighting Design and Projections / Jonathan Unsworth
I'm off to Umbria on a yoga retreat tomorrow. Here's a beautiful pic of Veruschka and Swami Satchidananda from 1972.
We're super pleased that Morricone In Love has been booked as the closing night performance of the Everyman Music - Film Festival (11th on 19th November). Amongst our favs on the festival menu are Bayou Maharajah - a new documentary exploring the life and music of piano legend James Booker, who Dr. John described as "thebest black, gay, on-eyed junkie pano genius New Orleans has ever produced"
We've been invited to play a two night special at Festival No. 6. Saturday's 'Morricone Giallo' will focus on the thriller horror moments, whilst Sunday's 'Morricone In Love' indulges us with themes of erotic love. We celebrate Maestro and Muse at the heights of their creative genius performing live Ennio Morricone/Edda Dell'Orso to original Giallo film visuals.
We've been invited back to the Electric by Mandy Kean and team for a sumptuous Valentine's Special. Morricone In Love has been dubbed as "A magical mix of some of the most under-rated and underplayed parts of the epic Morricone catalogue, coupled with clips from films I never thought I would see..."
Seems to me it could go one of three ways. She dries hersful and goes to bed. She's seduced. She dies...
As well as outdoor baths on the water side veranda, giant sized beds, luxury wooden cabins, horse riding, delicious food and friends, lovely audience and generous hosts in the form of @MandyKean and team. Morricone In Love in English Countryside Paradise.
@SohoFarmhouse 's Electirc Barn openning. We shall be seeing a lot more of him tomorrow night with @mandykean, @nickRamm, @chrispreece, @jonnyphillips, @gerryhunt et al
Looking forward to playing to a packed house at The Electric Cinema on Valentine's Night. Here's a beautiful still of Tony Musante, Florinda Balkan and Lino Cappolicchio from Giuseppe Patroni Griffi's 'Metti Una Sera a Cena' to get you in the mood ;-)