“Italian Caf” captures the muggy, but ultra cool and relaxed Italian lounge sound derived from its own rich heritage, American Jazz, swing and boogie-woogie and often employing the traditional, prototypical crooner. Both music and attitude reflect the 1950’s and 60’s, an era of overwhelming optimism and renewal in Italy and also one during which most foreign music was banned under a heavy handed fascist regime.

Happy and carefree piano, light but bright brass and solid sand-up bass work back Fred Buscaglione on “Juke Box,” a tribute to the “magical invention,” while Renato Carasone’s “Piccolissima Serenata” blends the best of the Italian tradition known by American listeners as Perry Como and of course Louie Prima with American nouveau folk of the time s like the Kingston Trio.

The disc finishes with more traditional Italian sounds and classic approach represented by finely recorded and produced works that bring the listener full circle and perhaps with a yearning a for a visit the land of the tri-colori.

This fine collection also features extensive liner notes in English, Italian, Spanish and French

Francisco H. Ciriza