Ramo's 8 String Guitar

The Michele Ramo Group:
Michele Ramo - 8 String Requinto & 8 String "Hei-D Mostro" Guitar;
Arturo O'Farrill - Piano;
Nilson Matta - Contrabass;
David Silliman - Drums;
Special Guest Singer: Heidi Hepler

MARCUS BELGRAVE - Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Vocal
MICHELE RAMO - 8 String Guitar "Hei-D MOSTRO"

Generations ago, most of Italy’s regions spoke their own dialects. These dialects were much more varied than simple accents. A Sicilian would have a hard time speaking with someone from Bari who had problems talking to people from Calabria and everyone had a hard time speaking to people “from the north” where “real Italian” was spoken. But, everyone seemed to understand Neapolitan or Napulitan – the dialect of Naples (Napoli). The reason was simple; the greatest, most passionate and certainly the most popular songs emanated from Naples. From the time the legendary Enrico Caruso first recorded “O Sole Mio” in 1898 on Thomas Edison’s new recording machine, Naples has had a monopoly on the Italian melodies the world would embrace forever.

These titles interpreted by the incredible guitarist Michele Ramo are top heavy in Napulitan classics. These selections, some dating back to the 1920’s, were popularized here in America the second half of the 20th century by notable singers like Jimmy Roselli, Jerry Vale, Dean Martin, Al Martino, and Italy’s Sergio Franchi. Ramo has put his own stamp on these songs through his guitar. It is virtually impossible not to hum these world famous melodies after listening to Ramo’s instrumental interpretations.

Ramo easily succeeds in transcending the passion of the words to the melodic tones of his guitar. Through his arrangements, you hear the concerned mother scolding her adolescent son who tries to court an older woman in “Guaglione.” You feel the pain of a tossed aside lover in “Mala Femmena,” the bad woman who is as sweet as sugar with the face of an angel. That pain is only intensified in “Core 'Ngrato," the story of Catherine torturing her lover and never acknowledging his suffering or the fact that he devoted his life to her. On the lighter side, a child is provided with his mother's recipe for creating him in "Comme Facette Mammeta." The loving recipe is rather simple: the best meat, a hundred roses, milk and strawberries without any need for a magic potion. And, of course, Ramo captures one of the most melodic passions of all time with “Torna A Surriento.” Come back to beautiful Sorrento or I will die!

Ramo also takes us a musical journey north and south of Naples by acknowledging the beauty of Rome with the world famous “Arrivederci, Roma.” He then pays homage to his own Sicilian roots with an old folk song, "Quant' e Laia Me Zita," where he lends his vocal pipes to accompany his guitar, along with his own composition "Lacrimi Siciliani," Sicilian tears.
(Naples does not have a monopoly on tears.)

The selections are rich in tradition yet afforded a fresh interpretation with a new path to our hearts through Ramo’s guitar strings. He even adds the love theme from "The Godfather." Unless you have lived in a cave since 1972, you will know that one.

Whether this disc is played in the background or intensely studied, the atmosphere can only be enhanced by the talent, tradition and interpretation of Michele Ramo. Enjoy.

Liner Notes by: Ernie Nasprietto

his is a collection of 11 classics from the 20'S, 30's and 40's plus 3 selections form the Django Reinhardt/Stephane Grappelli Quintet du Hot Club.

CD Review - by: Jim Santella / AllAboutJazz.com

With a swinging program that recalls the spirit of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, this contemporary trio of veteran jazzmen delivers straight from the heart.

Up-tempo romps, such as “Have You Met Miss Jones” and “Oh Lady Be Good,” find the trio pulling out all the stops in a celebration of syncopation, swing, and sunshine. The program jumps lively, as the acoustic trio provides a cohesive affair steeped in tradition and mellowed with age.

Slower pieces, such as ‘Autumn Nocturne” and “Nuages,” allow the trio’s lyrical melodies to flow gently and settle in comfortably as each artist reaches back for inspiration. The music flows like a meandering country stream through a meadow of colorful wildflowers.

All three gentlemen display a deep respect for melody. Michele Ramo leads with a superb touch, garnering every ounce of flavor from each piece. His “Stardust” brings tears to the eyes. Bucky Pizzarelli steps forward with lucid solo spots that belie a sincere love for these classic songs, while Jerry Bruno provides a strong bottom foundation. His lovely bass solo on “Have You Met Miss Jones” dances around its familiar melody with a resonance that evokes heartfelt spirit.

Violinist Ramo applies a variety of techniques in his portrayal, flowing with seamless legato when desired, and jumping with a sprightly pizzicato when the mood calls for it. He interprets with the emotional strength of Gypsy soul, American Swing, and a universal song appeal. The ballad is putty in his hands.

“Oh Lady Be Good” represents a deep love for the essence that can only be found in beautiful songs. It takes two to tango. One side writes the songs, and one side interprets with love. The songs of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Burton Lane, Johnny Mandel, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli do a special dance when interpreted by Michele Ramo, Bucky Pizzarelli and Jerry Bruno.

Track Listing: Oh Lady Be Good; Autumn Nocturne; Crazy Rhythm; Everything I Have is Yours; Have You Met Miss Jones; They Can’t Take That Away From Me; Nuages; Stardust; Tears; Mélodie au Crépuscule; A Time for Love.

Personnel: Michele Ramo: violin; Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar; Jerry Bruno: bass.

I Didn't Know About You
Michéle Ramo & Mundell Lowe | Moonboat Records
By Jim Santella - All About Jazz

Lyrical stuff happens when you find two veteran artists such as Mick and Mundy together as a guitar duo. They know intuitively what to say with their instruments.

The guitar has provided a similar framework for melodic excursion over many centuries. As Mick Ramo and Mundy Lowe blend their distinctive timbres together for a satisfying session of familiar standards, the melody is never far from their fingertips. Both artists prefer a kinder, gentler approach that entices. They both take great satisfaction in exploring familiar melodies and improvising on a theme.

“Satin Doll” swings passionately, “When Sunny Gets Blue” saunters gaily through casual surroundings, and “Moonglow” calls out with a sensuous cry. With each interpretation, Ramo and Lowe share the grace of a beautiful melody and explore its possibilities for embellishment.

“Manha de Carnaval” sizzles with passion. From the left and from the right, you can feel Lowe and Ramo giving it a convincing treatment. This timeless theme provides an opportunity for soulful outpouring. Lowe offers cool tones in a clear environment. His crystal clear articulation makes the song float gently around your shoulders.

“There's a Small Hotel” swings lightly, with a graceful air, as Ramo gives it a bubbly redress. His seamless phrases carry the tune fluidly with emphasis toward the lyrical nature of the piece. You'd think that the words were jumping up alongside the duo's performance, as their guitars express these ideas convincingly.

Vocalist Heidi Hepler, Ramos' wife, joins the duo for “Sicily,” a beautiful original that recalls the couple's impressions of this Mediterranean land. As with the duo's earlier themes, this one provides soothing melodies that float gently around the room.

Ramos uses an eight-string model that allows him to add depth to the program. Together, he and Lowe provide a loving caress to this program of familiar songs. Their timeless interpretation brings a smile to the face of audiences everywhere.



Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.