Canterina by Frederik Doci
Reviewer: Jane Ellen

Every once in a while a recording comes along that completely takes you by surprise. 'Canterina', by Frederik Doci, is precisely that sort of album; just when you think you've exhausted the depths of this singer's amazing versatility, another track begins, and you are forced to re-evaluate this phenomenal talent.

'Canterina' is the double CD American debut for Doci, an Italian/Albanian singer formerly known to world music fans as Frederik Ndoci. Not only are listeners exposed to the entire spectrum of his soon-to-be-legendary vocal range (baritone/tenor/counter-tenor), but Doci treats his listeners to songs sung in English, Spanish, Italian, Greek, French, and Albanian as well. Backed by an acoustic and synthetic soundscape, featuring an all-star cast of international musicians and some of the finest ambient sound programming ever heard on any popular recording, Doci glides effortlessly through a constantly shifting aural landscape. The seventeen tracks chosen for the album were masterfully produced by George A Gesner and range in style from purely classical to dance beat, along with every other possible variation in between.

Selections include operatic arias by Bizet, "Return to Me" by October Project, songs written by Doci and Gesner, and a number which fans of Gianni Belfiore will instantly recognise, "Anche Senza di Te". My personal epiphany occurred with Doci's version of the old chestnut "Falling in Love Again", which has been continually parodied ever since it was first introduced in the film 'The Blue Angel'. Doci's version manages to make the song sound fresh and new, and infuses it with heart-breaking romantic passion. This simple, yet hauntingly-styled rendition made me a fan.

The liner notes contain insightful commentary on each song, along with a concise but informative biography of Doci, who should have reached greater world prominence by now. Hopefully 'Canterina' will introduce his talents to legions of new fans and prominently secure his place in the field of popular music.