Ezee Dimucci

By Stephen Islip

Yo Frankie in an attempt to keep up with current record collecting trends is always reviewing The Dimucci back catalogue, to remind record companies of the varied career path followed by our favourite star . At some time he has passed through most musical phases (Ed - Dimucci goes into death metal - watch this space !). In YF 21 we drew your attention to Dions contribution to the field of exotica and now follow this up by looking at his contribution to the currently fashionable easy field.

The cynical record collector might assume that the recently rediscovered area of easy music is nothing more than an attempt to shift M.O.R. records that have been languishing to boot sale bargain boxes for the last 10 years. Easy music consists of soft rhythms orchestration and smoochy ballads best played after hours with the lights down low.

While accepting that artists like Bacharach, Sinatra and Mancini have validity in the easy field, Dimucci's contribution to this area should not be forgotten. Although he would much prefer to be categorised as an out and out rock'n'roll rebel we have a duty to pull the following items out of his closet.

The following therefore constitute the "Dion Easy Collection" (an imaginative title!).

Where or When - The Rodgers and Hamerstein number that wrong footed New York's premier Doo Wop group, giving them one of their biggest hits and giving them a level of mum and dad appeal they had been previously missing. This track really anticipated the way the group would go on their second album. "When you wish upon a star" the title track and "I'm Through with love" are excellent representatives from this album. First class backing vocals supporting the sweet voice of the lead singer.

While Dion broke from the group, his first solo album "Alone with Dion" follows in the same mould, but adds girlie vocals to replace the Belmonts and should now be considered as an easy classic. While every track would fall into this broad category, we have singled out 2 for special mention. "One for my Baby" is a standard but Dion is not intimidated by the stature of previous singers to tackle this song. With his intimate voice and small group backing the impression of an after hours smoke filled bar in the middle of nowhere is experienced.

Songs like "Then I'll be tired of you" might not have been his favourite but it doesn't stop him giving a first class performance, where he smoothly glides over the classy arrangement.

When still with Laurie he started to specialise in ballads, many which contemporary accounts suggest featured heavily in his stage act. Many of these subsequently appeared as album cuts such as, "Tonight Tonight" and "Lost for Sure".

While he was being nudged into his cabaret period this did not prevent him from tackling challenging ballads that have stood the test of time, such as "The Loneliest Man in the World" and "Sunday kind of Love" (a well worn Doo-wop number given pop song treatment here).

Dion then moved off into his folk period but it did not mean that we should totally ignore all his output. "Dolphins" the Fred Neil Song is a beautiful ballad with full orchestration which sets the imagination running. Staying at sea, "Seagull" from the "Suite for Late Summer" follows in the same mood. Also from the same album comes "Running Close Behind You" although on this occasion the single version with a stronger accompaniment fits better with this collection.

The next album was again mainly love songs, but now in a light soul vein. The outstanding tracks that fit easy, are Stevie Wonders "The Way you do the Things you do", performed by many others but not often with Dimiccis confident assurance, and "You showed me what love is".

Dimucci moved closer to mainstream rock with "Return of The Wanderer" but it did not stop him recording tracks suitable for easy. "Brooklyn Dodger" can be can be interpreted on a number of different levels but add the follow through of "Streetheart Theme" and you have some excellent after hours music.

Most American gospel music with a vengeful Lord would not make the easy collection, but Dimuccis variety of a peaceful forgiving deity does have relevance. Two tracks need special mention:

"My prayer" for you the final track from "Idols" and "Still in the Spirit" the opening track from "Kingdom in the Streets". You don't have to be a believer to appreciate these tracks.

To complete our album we go to his return to mainstream album Yo Frankie and take the final track, Tom Waites "Serenade". It is understood that Dion would have preferred to use the Del Satins on this track but once he heard Dave Edmunds backing track he knew he couldn't improve.

If you can't wait for this album to be released, you should purchase the following Dion easy albums which are the best currently available:

Wish upon a star/ Alone with Dion (best heard on the Ace Double CD)

Streetheart

Suite for Late Summer