Giulia Millanta – Only Luna Knows
A mix of Americana-Roots with some Italian flavors sprinkled in these tasty tunes & despite the Euro embellishments the music is fortifying & the descriptive Italian at times flirts with the melody as Italian songs are wont to do. Some are all-English but even the Italian vocals are intimately satisfying because the musical message manages a translation of its own.
The 10 songs that make up the award-winning Italian singer-songwriter Giulia Millanta’s Only Luna Knows (Drops April 19/Ugly Cat/36:00) come from her 9th album (her 6th in the US) & produced by musician Don Antonio (guitars/keys) in Italy.
Giulia (Julia) possesses a smooth silky voice that suggests a lounge singer posture (“Chiar Di Luna” & “Only Luna Knows”) with moments when Giulia approaches the tradition of Italian singer-songwriter Francesca Chiara (aka The Love Crave) whose English-Italian vocals graced a more darkly intense repertoire on her Sony issued LP “Il Parco Dei Sogni” (1999) — a terrifically dark & melodically Gothic set even with Italian lyrics.
However, Florence, Italy’s Ms. Millanta (voice/acoustic & electric guitars/kalimba) who now resides in Austin, Texas (what a geographical contrast) approaches with similar power & shadowy significance on songs like the gripping “Stormy Night In Paradise.” The title track “Only Luna Knows,” flows with a noirish ambiance.
When an American listener arrives at “I Dance My Way,” they’ll be convinced that Ms. Millanta is fully engraved in Austin stone. A wonderfully arranged & performed piece, eloquent & driving, it’s fully dipped into the nuances of her surroundings accent-free & with all the leather & dust that is Texas.
While Francesca strides through a more deviant atmosphere Giulia has a far more enchanting & sensual poise to her vocal intonation. I agree with others that she encompasses a mystique similar to Edith Piaf though what she keeps in check is never being overly dramatic & emotive. Giulia seems to prefer to concentrate on the song’s worthiness “Love Is a Sadness Machine” is superb.
It’s a journey down paths mainstream singers seldom chance. “Love Is a Sadness Machine” has an upbeat melody weaved through a melancholy immersion. That takes skill & ingenuity. The final track is like a fine pastry – gently, flaky, puffy & creamy even with the light touches of tympani & gongs. Yet, her voice resounds with a mysterious Kate Bush parlando. Innovative, intimate & almost lullaby-like. Impressive too.
Highlights – “Fatale,” “Chiar Di Luna.” “Only Luna Knows,” “Stormy Night In Paradise,” “I Dance My Way,” “Luna Lo Sa,” “Love Is a Sadness Machine” & “Mi Chiamava Lulu.” (translation: Luna = moon).
Musicians – Danilo Gallo (upright bass), Diego Sapignoli (drums/percussion) with Daniela Savoldi (cello/bgv/voices), Alice Chiari (cello), Francesco Moneti (violin/bgv), Ivan Broccardo (bgv) & Massimiliano Larocca (acoustic guitar/bgv).
Color image courtesy of Giulia’s website. CD @ https://www.giuliamillanta.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Video Premiere: Giulia Millanta “I Dance My Way”