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Marco Benevento
Glera
BIG CROWN - Cat No: BCR205lp
- updated:2026-08-25
A sound inspired by Italian film scores and library music from the 1960s and '70s, blending the distinctive bass-driven sensibilities of soul and reggae with a jazz foundation. Marco Benevento—a keyboardist and composer highly acclaimed in the U.S. soul scene for his collaborations with Freddie Gibbs & Madlib and contributions to the works of Clairo and Leon Bridges—releases his first solo album via BIG CROWN!
Track List
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1. Frizzante
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2. Turandot feat. Marianne Mirage
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3. Big Top
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4. Houdini
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5. Zio Tony feat. Molly Lewis
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6. I Can't Control This Bliss feat. Dream Crease
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7. Crema
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8. Miss Neptune feat. Elizabeth Steiner
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9. Sorgini feat. Dave Guy
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10. Sprezzatura
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11. Hip Then
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12. Catoni feat. 13th Ward Social Club
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13. Quattro Passi feat. Chiara Civello
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14. Over Now

The album opens with the upbeat “Frizzante”—which was also released as a 7-inch single—followed by the dreamy and melancholic “I Can’t Control This Bliss,” featuring the dream pop indie band Dream Crease, the mellow track “Crema” (sample_1), which weaves a sound as lustrous as a pearl; “Miss Neptune feat. Elizabeth Steiner” (sample_2), featuring a reggae bassline and harp—an unexpected yet exquisite combination of richness and groove; “Catoni” (sample_3), a collaboration with labelmates 13th Ward Social Club—a band known for their hip-hop-infused beats and cinematic sound; the thrilling fusion number “Sprezzatura,” which evokes car chase scenes; and “Hip Then,” reminiscent of Labi Siffre’s “I Got The...” and sure to make rare groove fans smile—these are just a few of the 14 tracks on this album, from which it’s impossible to narrow down the best picks.
This album began as a personal creative experiment, inspired by Italian film music and melodies, with songs written purely on intuition. It features a stellar lineup of guests—including Molly Lewis, Dave Guy, and harpist Elizabeth Steiner—who enhance the cinematic atmosphere. Be sure to check out the tracks on the tracklist. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)