RIP Gianfranco Reverberi

 

Farewell to Gian Franco Reverberi, musician of the Genoese School

He was also a writer and producer. Together with Jannacci, Tomelleri, De Luca, Tenco and Celentano, it formed one of the first Italian rock and roll bands. He was 89 years old

 

La Regione

January 8, 2024

Gian Franco Reverberi, composer and musician, exponent of the Genoese School and brother of Gian Piero, also a musician, died at the age of 89 in Genoa. The news was given by Mario Lavezzi.

Born in Genoa, Reverberi studied piano, but was passionate about the accordion and the vibraphone, given to him by his father, became his main instrument. During his military service in Fano, he formed a quartet with other comrades including Piero Ciampi. He then founded a jazz trio with Giorgio Gaber (guitar) and Giorgio Buratti (double bass), performing in Milanese cellars. At the same time, together with Gaber, Enzo Jannacci, Paolo Tomelleri, Nando De Luca and Luigi Tenco, he formed one of the first Italian rock and roll bands, with Adriano Celentano as singer. After completing his military service, he joined the orchestra on board the ship Olimpia as a vibraphonist. He then returned to Milan and with Jannacci, Tomelleri, De Luca and Tenco, to form I Cavalieri.

Reverberi's aspiration, however, was to compose and, thanks also to Mogol's good offices, he was initially hired at the music editions Radio Record Ricordi and later at the 'Discography'. At the age of 23 he became deputy artistic director of the house, then he was artistic director of the CGD record company with his friend Franco Crepax, appointed director. From an idea of Gino Paoli a new experience of independent producers was born. The first artist produced by the Paoli/Reverberi couple was Lucio Dalla, 'sent' to Sanremo with a song signed Reverberi/ Bardotti: 'Pafff... boom!' As a manager, arranger, composer, musician and conductor, he toured all over the world, also accompanying Luigi Tenco, Lucio Dalla and Nicola Di Bari.

In addition to composing songs, Reverberi wrote film scores. A song from one of these, composed for the film 'Django Prepare a Coffin!', with Terence Hill, in 2006 it was revived by the American Gnarls Barkley for their single 'Crazy'. It is worth mentioning his collaboration with Giorgio Calabrese in the writing of some songs in the Genoese language, interpreted and made known by both Natalino Otto and Bruno Lauzi. 1,456 pieces of music are deposited in his name.

REVERBERI, Gianfranco (Gianfranco Giacomo Reverberi)

Born: 11/12/1934, Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Died: 1/8/2024, Genoa, Liguria, Italy

 

Gianfranco Reverberi’s western – composer:

Django Prepare a Coffin (aka Viva Django!) – 1967