Sunday night in Barga Vecchia was the presentation of the new CD by The Aristodemo’s – called “THE BIROLDO TAPES ” – full article here
The setting for the presentation was absolutely perfect as of course it was in that piazza that the main guiding influence of the whole project – Aristodemo Casciani, ran his famous bar, also known as the unofficial cultural centre of Barga.
200 images of Aristodemo were projected up onto the wall of the Palazzo Pancrazi behind the musicians as they played and his presence although he died almost 7 years ago was felt once again as his voice could be heard in between the tracks on the CD.
The Aristodemo’s appearing on the CD are: Andrea Gonnella (Vocals), Keane (percussioni / bodhran and cajón), Leo Gnesi ( Basso), Alessandro Rizzardi (Mandolino / Mandolin and Sax), Fabio Guazzelli (chitarra / guitar) Ugo Menconi (Accordion) plus special guest Rossano Emili who played sax baritono on one of the tracks and was also present in the piazza playing along with the group.
Along with all the hullabaloo for the presentation of the CD , there was also another event which took place that night that was just as important – the presentation of this years “Aristo 2017 – La Piazza della Musica” award from the staff of the Da Aristo.
The 2016 winner was Geoff Collins-White (article here) but this year it was the Barga swing band, The Aristodemo’s who picked up the prize.