Happy Birthday, Francesco Di Giacomo

Jennà Romano and Porfirio Rubirosa celebrate the historic frontman of Banco del Mutuo Soccorso by publishing, on his birthday (he was born in Siniscola, 22 August 1947; this year, on 21 February, we remembered the tenth anniversary of his death) the reworking of the famous song included in the 1973 album of Banco del Mutuo Soccorso ‘Io sono nato libero’ (Ricordi).

The idea for the tribute was Jennà Romano’s, who artistically produced, played and sang the piece, then involving Porfirio Rubirosa – who lent his voice and harmonica – in the final realization.
But this is also a way to rediscover Banco del Mutuo Soccorso once again, one of the historic Italian progressive bands, but also one of the rare musical projects that have enjoyed popularity abroad as well.

The Neapolitan singer-songwriter on the overall project of ‘Non mi rompete’:

“For those of my generation who were starting to play the guitar, the arpeggio of that song inevitably became a postulate to explore music beyond traditional pop and rock. The piece still retains the right and most balanced combination of song form and instrumental music, and Francesco’s lyrics are still pearls to be discovered. Reworking a new arrangement of this song was a respectful challenge and a heartfelt tribute to the artist who remains such in the memory of his talent and his humanity”.

Porfirio Rubirosa echoes him:

“When Jennà, with whom I am bound by a solid friendship, founded on common passions, first and foremost Piero Ciampi, called me to involve me in this small but great project, I immediately accepted. Not only for the pleasure of paying homage to an unforgettable figure in the history of Italian music, but also because I wanted to collaborate with a singer-songwriter, precisely Jennà, who I respect for his ability to rework in a personal way the influences – first and foremost Neapolitan song – that are inevitably part of his cultural background. I was therefore certain that his reinterpretation of ‘Non mi rompete’ would also have its feet in the past and its head in the present, and so it was”.

‘Non mi rompete’ was released today on all digital platforms. The digital cover of the single is by the Californian artist Dada Pixel Art, a close collaborator of Porfirio Rubirosa for whom he created the latest video clips. The image reproduces the unmistakable face of Francesco Di Giacomo and the eyes present on the cover of the album ‘Io sono nato libero’.
The video clip of the single will be officially released at 11.00 on August 22nd.
The film was directed by Carmine Giordano and shot in Montenero Val Cocchiara (Is), in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

Credits for ‘Don’t Break Me’ (lyrics by Francesco Di Giacomo and music by Vittorio Nocenzi)
Jennà Romano: vocals, guitars, bass, Rhodes piano, synthesizers, didgeridoo
Porfirio Rubirosa: voice and harmonica
Vincenzo Gionta: drums
Product arranged and mixed by Jennà Romano at Laboratori di Provincia – Grumo Nevano (Na)
Videoclip shooting, direction and editing: Carmine Giordano