Spiraling down the heart of the labyrinthine network of Venice’s most atmospheric backdrop and romantic waterways, The Grand Canal maestro Randy Edelman composed and penned the most passionate, sensitive and amorous song “The Italian Star” that the world will ever know. Recognized as the Floating City or Serenissima the Renaissance city with its 13th century architecture, it’s treasured art galleries, the Rialto Bridge mentioned by Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice), and received a starring role in the James Bond movie (Casino Royale), was an easy inspiration for the already romantic driven composer to create “The Italian Star.”
Love with a positive action, a profound affection, deep attachment, and a sense of caring for someone beyond oneself is what defines the true quintessence of romance. The acceptance of the quest is marked by Randy’s lyrics “We rode down the Grand Canal, Spring of 81….Seemed the whole world was singing our tune”….”No matter what the future brings, one thought inside me always rings….Darlin’ I loved you from the star”….”I still have Casanova dreams, tarnished now and not so clean, there may be times when you and I must part….Remember that Italian Star ….count on me, we’ve come to far…Darlin’ I Loved you from the start”……who writes words like that? Aside from conquering the literary aspects of love, those being predictable, unpredictable, the twists and the steaming scenes that ignite emotion, his song makes reference to a winding course as is the Grand Canal and of course The Italian Star, or Stella d’Italia which represents the shining destiny of Italy.
The instrumental production of the song is a flawless and fragile mosaic array of what probably deeply moved Randy while surrendering himself to the romance of The Grand Canal. It’s both beautiful and sincere with an almost mythical essence like that of The Bridge of Sighs, also part of The Grand Canal. Legend has it that the white limestone bridge takes its name from the “despairing sighs of prisoners, gazing out at the beauty of Venice through the shuttered stonework as they were led away to the dark future of imprisonment.”. Tradition holds that if a couple kisses while passing underneath the bridge in a gondola at sunset they will enjoy eternal love. Today as sunset approaches in Venice, you will see gondolas lined up for that precious spot waiting for the bells to toll and the couples to kiss.
Alongside the release, the romance of the song dictated the launch of 3 new fragrance scents called “Italian Star by Randy Edelman” in collaboration with successful Tiffany & Co. Perfume designer Sue Phillips. Perhaps in the near future the gondolier will be serenading their passengers with “The Italian Star” instead of the typical barcarolle or O Sole Mio……
About Randy Edelman
The name Randy Edelman sparks immediate visions of scenes from My Cousin Vinny, Ghostbusters ll, Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, Dragonheart, XXX, Kindergarten Cop, or any of the other hundred movies and television scores he’s created. For those musical fans “A Weekend in New England” (covered by Barry Manilow), or “Isn’t it A Shame” (covered by Patti LaBelle, hip-hop, superstar, Nelly, and Shirley Bassey), or “You” (covered by The Carpenters) certainly stands out. Randy’s new live album “Around the World in 80 Minutes” is available for streaming on every digital platform and is a combination of songs performed at his live, sold out shows in New York and London.
Randy’s upcoming film scores include Dutch director Ate de Jong’s Nashville saga Heart Strings, the family holiday caper Athena Saves Christmas, the exorcism horror themed The Possession of Anne, and the documentary Too Hot to Handle.
Celebrate Randy Edelman 2024 @
May 7 – Career Bridges 20th Anniversary @ The Metropolitan Club NYC (accepting as recipient of Life Time Achievement Award, Live performance)
May 31- The Crazy Coqs – London UK ( Live performance)
June 2- The Bodon Rooms- Manchester UK (Live performance)
June 14-Chelsea Table & Stage- NYC (Live Performance)
October 27- The Josie Music Awards @ The Grand Ole Opry House Nashville (accepting as recipient of Legendary Songwriters Award)
Watch for dates to be added
Times Square Chronicles “His Powerful and soul-stirring Music wowed the full house and was met with standing ovation”
The Hollywood Digest “Songwriting nobility leaves audiences raptured and breathless”
New York Daily News Online “Shares the depth of his heart and soul with his music”