The Italian Library Songbook series, where contemporary producers and songwriters breathe new life into hidden tracks and outtakes from Italian soundtrack maestros, is back with its second installment.
This time, beat-maker and bass player Moonbrew, along with composer and keyboardist Paolo Apollo Negri, reimagine the iconic Piero Umiliani, whose influence resonates deeply with anyone who grew up with a passion for b-movies, library music, and soundtracks.
Joined by singer-songwriter Tilde, the duo put their unique spin on Umiliani’s “Nel Villaggio” (featured on side B of this release), an instrumental piece from his 1975 library album Continente Nero. The hypnotic marimba melody that opens the original track serves as the foundation for their reinterpretation. By sampling the marimba and combining it with synthesizers and a fresh beat, they create the perfect backdrop for Tilde’s vocals, giving birth to a new ethereal and dreamy song titled “As If It Matters” (on side A).
Joining the dots between the Seventies and today, Italian Library Songbook - Volume II pays tribute to Umiliani’s signature sound while firmly grounding the music in the present. Once again, the artwork is by graphic designer and calligrapher Luca Barcellona, who drew inspiration from elegantly bound classics book series to evoke the tactile element that makes vinyl records so unique and precious.