Back in the 1980s Antonella Ruggiero was the lead singer for Matia Bazar. After a seven year break she returned to the music scene in a now incarnation. Her 1996 album Liberia was a fusion of pop and Far Eastern and met with great acclaim, but it was the melding of her talents with the wonderfully eccentric Arke String Quartet that became her steppingstone to international acclaim. The album Luna Crescent, Sacrarmonia, released in 2001 was followed by almost constant touring and here in Fez she delivered a polished and delightful performance.
In the same tradition as other divas who have shifted genres, Ruggiero is obviously enjoying the experience. While not yet in the same league as Ute Lemper of the great Nina Hagen, she certainly has the potential to rise to their heights. At present her range is limited and there was a certain sameness to some of her interpretations of well known songs, particularly when she was in scat style. Yet none of these slight quibbles takes away from the commitment to performance that Ruggiero displayed.
The Arke String Quartet are worth seeing in their own right. Joined by percussionist Ivan Ciccarelli they delivered 100% plus and left the audience wanting more.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS COPYRIGHT SUZANNA CLARKE 2006
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