Italy’s great singing tradition has been extended by Milan-born vocalist Fabio Concato. Inspired by American pop music, Concato featured the ode “To Dean Martin” on his 1977 debut album, Storie di Sempre, while he showcased the harmonica playing of Toots Thielemans on his third outing, Zio Tom, two years later. Concato attracted international attention with his self-titled album in 1984. Selling more than 200 thousand copies, the albums spawned a series of hits: “Guido Piano,” “Rosalina,” “Fiore Di Maggio,” and “Senza Auvisare.” After 1992, Concato collaborated often with American record producer Phil Ramone. ~ Craig Harris