Hubert Dorigatti - Memphisto (2018)

Memphis is in South Tyrol and the devil plays the Blues – what was that again? Oh yes, the devil comes from Bruneck and plays the Blues. That became clear when Hubert Dorigatti won the renowned IBC Blues Challenge and was named the best Italian Blues musician. Now his new CD is out. So if Mephisto is blusey, Memphisto must be the city of hell. It is from this city that Hubert Dorigatti sings his song by the same name, which also forms the title of the CD. It pays homage to Memphis, the real city of the Blues but then there is also the track River City Blues. On this CD, there’s a lot of Blues – that much is clear. The songs tell of taking that last breath of air, of soul searching and of blissful childhood memories – pure Blues.

The minimal instrumental line-up is captivating. There is no pomp and grandeur and most of the songs feature only a guitar, a touch of harmonica (Fabrizio Poggi) and Hubert’s husky yet soft voice. The virtuoso pickings are reminiscent of the Ragtime era and when the percussionist (Max Castlunger) plays a calabash as a bass drum, references to Africa are introduced. The calabash was originally used as the resonating body for the banjo which was brought from Africa to the New World – so no wonder that this instrument is also featured (Dan Walsh). In line with the genre, these songs revolve around Southern States Blues, Acoustic and Stomp Blues. This is also reflected in the resonator and acoustic guitars played by Dorigatti. The original compositions by this musician from the Puster valley were recorded and mixed by Armin Rainer and are being released on Herbert Pixner’s Three Saints Records label.

The pieces will soon be available to hear live next year when Hubert Dorigatti will be performing a concert entitled ‘From the Marmolada Mountain to Mali to Mississippi...’, bringing together the three places which have had a crucial influence on the CD: the Dolomites, Africa and the USA. So Blues fans need to make some space on their CD rack at home!