The partnership between Massimo Donelli and Paolo Rossi is one that dates back to the time when they were young and played in bands together. Donelli composed the music for ‘Adorati Spiriti’, using artificial intelligence to help in the development of the compositions, while Rossi was responsible for the lyrics and also co-produced the nine-track album; the subject of the record is Chayton, an old Cheyenne man who is passing on his knowledge to Tokala, a younger member of his community. The record has an ambitious concept since it moves through styles including progressive music, jazz and atmospheric sections, each song containing part of their conversation.
‘Nelle orme il canto’ opens in a dark and deliberate atmosphere; before the rhythm establishes itself, bird-like sounds put the listener in an outdoor setting, and the song’s focus on ancestry provides Chayton with a reason to speak. ‘Il cerchio che unisce’ makes his lesson clear by means of the image of a circle joining people, animals, rivers and mountains. The structure allows space for the words, giving the image time to develop. On ‘Ovunque’ the mood becomes cooler and more open; here the attention shifts to Manito, a spiritual presence present throughout the natural world; the chant-like ending enables the idea to stay with the listener.
Heritage, Spirituality, Generations
-PurpleMistress
It is “Danza su danza” that gives the album its dynamic momentum. Thanks to the percussion, people are brought together around the idea which the earlier tracks have mostly explored—that culture endures through shared activities, through music and through bodies keeping time. “Mitena (nata sotto la Luna nuova)” then brings the narrative closer to the personal level. The imagery of rivers, lakes and the sky surrounds a song devoted to love, patience and respect. The shift in scale is significant in that Chayton’s teachings reach Tokala both through the way one person deals with another and through the broader history that he inherits. “Splendore” takes a more light-hearted musical approach, the reflections on nature being given a pleasant boost by the inclusion of jazz elements.
The title song, “Adorati Spiriti”, combines male and female voices as the discussion moves on to death and the spirits of the people who came before; its composed manner allows room for this difficult topic. “Il Tramite” then takes over, adopting even darker tones, accompanied by vocal hums and rhythms as it depicts a shaman who links the physical and spiritual worlds.
Next is ‘Now go’. Following eight songs devoted to teaching, remembrance and ceremony, these two English words have a wonderfully straightforward sound. The warmer jazz tone and the strong vocal take Tokala towards his own life, carrying with him Chayton’s words. Highly recommended!
