Saxophone is just one of those instruments that you can’t help but look cool playing. Well, I’m sure it probably helps to be able to play it, but as instruments go (especially reed instruments) it is without a doubt the coolest looking and sounding. Sorry, no offence clarinet, but nobody’s holding out for your solo in the middle of an R&B song.
But if anyone can prove the coolness of the saxophone, it’s Italian Daniele Vitale, saxophone extraordinaire!
He has been scooping the internet up with his musical skill over the last couple of years, having received a YouTube trophy for achieving 2 million subscribers.
He has been making waves, sweet musical sound-waves, and even among the tragedy striking Italy in the early months of 2020 among the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been honoring Italy from his balcony with performances of the Italian National Anthem.
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In one remarkable video, he takes to the streets of Italy to bring a song that everybody loves to the ears of the locals of Naples.
Don’t worry, the video is from a pre-covid time, and the copious, curious pedestrians are mesmerized by his performance. While he does tend to cover many modern hits, in this case he chooses a real classic.
The song that Daniele plays in none other than Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.
Initially released by the Canadian singer/songwriter in 1984, it has seen a huge amount of success and is among the most covered songs in history (I’m not counting Happy Birthday in that by the way). For the kids out there, you may recognise the song from the first “Shrek” movie. That’s the one.
So when this sultry sax-player gets his hands (and lips) on it, buckle up for a smooth ride!
Pitched up in front of the Castel dell’Ovo off the coast of Naples, the scene is set for a musical banquet.
Daniele plays the song softly, sweetly and with a tenderness that honors the famous song.
I’m sure Cohen himself would enjoy this rendition, although if he has to listen to everyone’s version of his song he may never get around to it!
As the sun sets, Daniele’s infectious passion flows through his sax and fills the air, enchanting his spectators.
Plus, you can’t deny that the man has style. Whether Vitale is performing in a fancy private event like a wedding, or simply on the streets of Napoli, you can catch him donned up in full jazzy attire. From the hat, to his suit, to his shoes, to his fancy facial hair, he is jazz embodied.
Hopefully, if you’re ever visiting Naples, you may be lucky enough to wander into a crowd listening to Vitale’s spellbinding saxophone.
Either that, or you’ll have to arrange a destination wedding just to make sure you can book him! Do plan ahead though, as a player of this magnitude will be booked out well in advance! Grazie mille Daniele!
Watch the full video below to shout Hallelujah to this rendition of Cohen’s song!
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