Putumayo Presents Italia

Being of Italian descent (though not entirely familiar with the language), I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the artists whose songs comprise Putumayo Presents Italia, the latest offering in what has become known as the definitive series of world music CDs.

"Il Principiante" contains noteworthy guitar work, and "Balla Con Me," by Giorgio Conte, feels almost like an homage to Maurice Chevalier, with its vocal crooning and romantic atmosphere. "Gina," meanwhile, is fun and reminded me a little bit of Rosemary Clooney's "Come on to My House."

And speaking of Clooney, "L'Americano," by Marco Calliari, is a faithful rendition of a song that Clooney herself has been known to perform in the past, and one which I most closely associate with "stereotypical" Italian fare in the media.

Despite being able to enjoy the quality of the music contained here, it did become something of a distraction not knowing the language, as it was impossible to gauge the full range of emotions and ideas being expressed. But musically speaking, Putumayo Presents Italia is an enlightening view of one of the most beautiful countries in the world.