BELL.ARIA BRINGS LITTLE ITALY TO THE UNITED STATES

EMI/MANHATTAN TO RELEASE GROUP.S DEBUT ALBUM OF
ITALIAN-AMERICAN STANDARDS ON NOVEMBER 23^rd

(New York, NY . October 13, 2010) . EMI/Manhattan recording ensemble Bell’Aria are set to move beyond the cultural stereotypes when they release their debut album of Italian-American standards on November 23rd. Little Italy is a celebration of the music that helped to shape and define the Italian-American experience, not only for immigrants and their families but also the larger American audience that have come to love these classic songs.

Little Italy showcases Bell’Aria’s distinct vocal sound and five part harmonies on such cherished classics as “Volare,” “That’s Amore,” “Mambo Italiano” and “Funiculi Funicula.”. The group has also put it’s own stamp on the Dusty Springfield classic “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” by combining the English version with the original Italian hit, “Io Che Non Vivo (Senza Te),” which is the song that inspired Dusty’s legendary version. Though all the songs on Little Italy were written well before any member of the quintet was born, its’ the enduring nature of the material that kept these classics in regular play in their homes growing up.

Bell’Aria is Gabriel Burrafato, Jessica Carvo, Angelica Di Castro, Christopher Macchio and Miriam Pultro. The group formed when they each answered an ad in the back of magazine looking for Italian-American vocalists. After going through an intensive audition process of countless singers, the group was brought down to the five who are Bell’Aria today. Each member has their own individual unique story and heritage, but all five clicked right away from the first note they sang together. Since that moment, it has been a whirlwind for the members as they went right into the studio to record the material that would later become Little Italy.

The album was produced and arranged by Craig Leon, known for his work with Joshua Bell, Luciano Pavarotti and the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone as well as for his early work with the Ramones and Blondie. On Little Italy Mr. Leon brings together classic Italian repertoire with the best-loved Italian-American songs of the last century.



The group has also taped a PBS special entitled Bell’Aria . Live From Vegas. The group performed for a packed house at the Venetian, which was recorded for PBS. They will be using the show as part of their pledge drive starting in November, which will all lead in to the release of Little Italy.