As we celebrate what would have been Ennio Morricone's 95th birthday, soundtrack lovers get a gift in the form of a musical treasure chest in his honor, the Morricone Segreto Songbook: The Maestro's Hidden Songs For Cinema (1962-1973).
In the chronicles of music history, Ennio Morricone is a towering figure, his influence spanning over six incredible decades. The world-renowned Italian composer left an indelible mark with a staggering collection of over 600 original compositions, each bearing his unmistakable and unique style. He was a maestro who seamlessly blended avant-garde innovation with the finest pop-psych attitude, crafting a sound that transcended time and genre.
The world bid farewell to Morricone at the age of 91, but his legacy endures in the form of his iconic film scores, including classics like Once Upon A Time In The West, The Untouchables, Cinema Paradiso, The Hateful Eight, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, and way too many more to list here. Yet behind these celebrated compositions, there exists an enigmatic facet of Morricone's creativity that deserves recognition.
This collection, a worthy companion to 2020's Morricone Segreto, pays homage to the legendary composer and his lesser-known gems. It's a celebration of the hidden, eccentric side of his genius that has long been cherished by his fans, fellow artists, and music connoisseurs. Morricone Segreto Songbook isn’t just a compilation; it's a trip through a rich and fertile creative period, spanning from the late 1960s to the early '80s. Within its grooves lie seven previously unreleased tracks that unveil Morricone's enduring influence on generations of musicians and filmmakers. It takes listeners on an acid-tinged journey through Morricone's uncharted territory, marked by mysterious voices, fuzzed-out guitars, ethereal strings, eerie synthesizers, and contemporary grooves. Here is a composer who always defied convention, seamlessly blending avant-garde elements with tinges of pop-psych.
Morricone Segreto Songbook is a awe-inspiring array of rare and forgotten pieces and alternate takes, plucked from the historical archives of CAM Sugar. It's a revelation, offering new insights into the genius of a composer who was widely celebrated but held secrets until the end. The highlights include extracts from films like Lui Per Lei, Stark System, and Il Clan Dei Siciliani. These tracks are proof that even one of the most celebrated composers of our time can still have hidden gems in his vault, waiting to dazzle and surprise. It's a fitting tribute to a legendary composer whose legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.