Bluesando by Reno Brandoni: A Gritty, Soul-Stirring Ride Through Contemporary Blues
If you’re the kind of person who thinks blues is just old dudes moaning about their exes and broken-down cars, Bluesando by Reno Brandoni will slap that notion right outta your head. Released in 2012 under Italy’s Lizard label, this album doesn’t just dip its toes into the blues—it dives in headfirst, fully clothed, with a cigarette dangling from its lips. And let me tell ya, it’s one heck of a swim.
Reno Brandoni handles both guitar duties and composition here, which makes sense because no one else could’ve pulled off these tracks quite like he does. The record straddles classic blues vibes and contemporary twists, feeling like a late-night jam session where everyone involved forgot to care about rules but somehow still nailed every note. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s got more soul than a Sunday church choir.
Now, let’s talk standouts. First up, there’s “Isole Sole.” This track hits you like a warm hug from an old friend you haven’t seen in years. The melody feels sun-drenched, like sipping espresso on a Sicilian balcony while life chills out below. But don’t get too comfy—Brandoni’s guitar work sneaks in with some unexpected turns, keeping things fresh and unpredictable. You’ll remember this tune not because it’s flashy, but because it sticks to your ribs like good pasta.
Then there’s “Pink Rose (A Charlie Mingus),” which feels like someone took jazz, blues, and a dash of mischief, threw ‘em in a blender, and hit puree. The rhythm has a swagger to it, like it knows it’s cooler than you are. Every time I hear those opening notes, I can almost picture Reno sitting cross-legged on stage, smirking as he lets his guitar do all the talking. By the end, you’re left wondering how something so smooth could also feel so dangerously edgy.
Other tracks like “Il Grande Bivio” and “Vento Del Sud” bring their own flavors to the mix, but honestly, the whole album flows together like a lazy river with occasional rapids. There’s never a dull moment, even when the pacing slows down. Each song feels like a little story, told through chords and riffs rather than words.
Here’s the kicker though: for an Italian blues album, Bluesando doesn’t scream “I’m European!” at all. Instead, it taps into something universal—the kind of gut-deep emotion that transcends borders and languages. Maybe that’s why it works so well; it doesn’t try too hard to fit into any box. It just is.
So what’s my final verdict? Well, if you’re looking for background music to scroll Instagram, this ain’t it. But if you want something that’ll make you stop whatever you’re doing and actually listen, give Bluesando a spin. Just be warned—you might find yourself humming “Isole Sole” during your next grocery run. And hey, isn’t that what great music’s supposed to do?
Oh, and one last thing: after listening to this album, I now kinda wanna name my firstborn “Pink Rose.” Don’t ask me why.
