Extra Muros

Circa 2005, this might seemed like the most recent release for the Italian singer/songwriter, but it wasn't actually a new record, having first appeared in Europe ten years previously. However, it had aged remarkably well, with some superb backing from the likes of trumpeter David Lewis and Francois Moutin on bass (whose solo on "Un Po' di la del Mare" is one of the disc's instrumental highlights, a breathless piece of sheer virtuosity). By the time of this second record of his career, Testa himself was a more assured singer and writer, with much greater depth and finesse to his voice, able to put across emotion -- and humor -- more easily. The latter is quite apparent on the double entendres of "Il Mio Gallo," with its arrangement that evokes vintage jazz, or the frantic "Joking Lady." But he had a lot more going for him, like the lyrical "Come un' America," which offers a romantic, brokenhearted wistfulness, or the aforementioned "Un Po' di la del Mare," whose openly sentimental lyric probably shouldn't work -- but does. It confirms Testa as a talent, as he's shown in the CDs (and book) he's released since. This disc may have been a little late in arriving, but it was well worth the wait. ~ Chris Nickson