Sapore di sale

"Sapore di sale" is a song written and originally recorded by Gino Paoli. The song was released as a single in June 1963 by RCA Italiana.^[1] The song was the biggest hit of Paoli, but also one of the evergreen classics of Italian music.^[2] The song had also attended the 1963 edition of Cantagiro, where he had not obtained a successful result;^[3] on the contrary he obtained an extraordinary success of sales and in August 1963, the 45 rpm reached number one on the Italian charts.^[4]

Story and Inspiration

As recounted by the same Paoli, "Sapore di sale" was born in Capo d'Orlando (Sicily), in a deserted house near a deserted beach, where the author was to hold concerts in a dance hall with his band. Unpredictably, on the owner of the restaurant kind invitation, they stayed there for a fortnight.^[5] Although the author had denied this version of events, many commentators argued that for some reason, this song was inspired by Stefania Sandrelli.^[6]

Recording personnel

The album was recorded in Rome in 1963, on that occasion Gino Paoli was accompanied by the orchestra directed by Ennio Morricone and Gato Barbieri who performed the sax solo.^[7]

Cover

in Italian

• 1975, Rita Pavone
• 1984, Skiantos in the LP Ti spalmo la crema
• 2000, Tonino Carotone
• 2006, Perturbazione

in spanish

Gino Paoli had some success in Spain where, in October 1964, reached the 8th place in the hit parade.^[8]

• 1963, Gloria Aguirre, (Chile)
• 1964, Carlos González, (Chile)
• 1964, Jimmy Santi, (Sabor a salado) (Perù)

in Portuguese

• 1964 Ed Wilson, (Sabor de sal), (Brasil)

in English

• 1964, Steve Perry^[9]

Instrumental versions

• 1983 Richard Clayderman
• 2006 Fausto Papetti

References