Oops, Four Flies did it again! Like other rare Italian gems, Berto Pisano’s La Novizia was long thought lost before the FF team rescued, restored, and remastered it from the original tapes. And wow — it might just be the best thing about the 1975 film it was composed for: an erotic comedy with melodramatic overtones directed by Pisano’s frequent collaborator Giuliano Biagetti, starring a young and mesmerizing Gloria Guida.
Due to the film’s low budget, Pisano had to rely on a smaller ensemble rather than a large orchestra, crafting a lush and intimate chamber-jazz atmosphere. The result? A collection of smooth, velvety, downtempo soundscapes that define the lounge sound of the era.
Highlights include Edda Dell’Orso’s signature whispered vocals, which float like a dream across brushed drums and electric piano textures, and contributions from legends like Alessandro Alessandroni, whose iconic whistle colors the nocturnal beauty of “Canto Notturno”. There are even psychedelic rock touches in the swirling synths and distorted guitars of “Free Dimension”, while “Fiore Rosso” explores a Mediterranean spin on bossa nova that’s as cinematic as it is sensual.
Pisano’s La Novizia embodies the essence of 70s Italian erotic soundtracks – tender, seductive, sometimes cheeky, but always impeccably arranged. From breezy easy-listening to dreamy jazz-lounge to playful psych-funk, it’s a subtle, nuanced collection that confirms Pisano’s brilliance as a composer, arranger, and stylist.
Finally back in the spotlight after decades in obscurity, La Novizia is a sonic joy — and, as they say, a joy forever.
TRACKLISTING
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Interno Notte 03:46
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Fiore Rosso 04:57
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Pelle Morbida 02:43
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Attimi Di Tenerezza 01:43
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Carefree 01:42
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Attimi Di Tenerezza #2 01:29
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Night Blues 04:17
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Free Dimension 02:21
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Canto Notturno 04:19
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Dolore E Speranza 01:44
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Carefree #2 01:56
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Interno Notte #2 03:31