And to think I hesitated...
I almost didn't go. Claudio Simonetti's Goblin, the legendary composer/musician responsible for not only scores to Dario Argento masterpieces, but Dawn of the Dead, Zombie, and a host of other Italian horror delicacies.
It was a Sunday night. I get up ridiculously early for work. Plus, being a reading junkie, I'm always up for any excuse to stay home with a book. I relented and bought tickets. How could I resist? Goblin, the relentless prog-jazz band doing a live performance to a screening of Susperia?
The show was on November 13, a perfect way to close out the Halloween season. I was having a difficult time due to some searing personal issues. I was anxious, and I was tempted to bail.
My wife Clara is still learning the horror ropes. She's coming right along, and she enjoys a lot of what she sees and reads. She had not only never seen Susperia, but had never watched an Argento movie.
We went, and it was a beautiful night. The show was in downtown Norfolk, and we got there early and walked the sidewalks a bit. We ate at an Irish pub, and then went on to the Norva theater.
It was first-come, first-served seating and we grabbed some choice chairs in the second row.
The band came out, and Claudio Simonetti introduced himself and his band, assured us we were not about to see the new Susperia, but the original masterpiece. And we were off.
I was a little disappointed at first. I've seen Susperia numerous times. The lights were low on Goblin, and I wanted to see them perform. They all get highly unusual sounds out of their instruments on the soundtrack. Not too miffed, I settled in to enjoy the show.
This being her introduction to the world of Dario Argento, Clara was enthralled. I hope I don't have to tell you how stunning Susperia is. The movie is a sumptuous assault on the eyes and ears. Some scenes freaked her out, but she loved it. And what a way to experience it for the first time.
After the movie Claudio asked if we wanted more. What do you think?
The lights came up and the band launched into music from Demons. This is what I came here for, I thought. They went on to do selections from Tenebrae, Dawn of the Dead, and of course Deep Red.
This incarnation of Goblin is phenomenal: Claudio Simonetti on keys and guitar, Daniele Amador on guitar, Cecilia Nappo on bass, and Frederico Maragone on percussion. I am talking Zappa/King Crimson/Return to Forever level musicianship. Astonishing energy and dexterity. My head kept moving from each band member to images from the movies on the big screen.
It was powerful, uplifting, and a salve to my soul. These movies are such a part of me. Especially the Dario Argento classics. Giallo purists may favor Mario Bava, hardcore gorehounds swear by Lucio Fulci. Sickos love Ruggero Deodato and Bruno Mattei. I like them all, but Dario is the king.
Simonetti was so cool. He was obviously happy to be there, grateful, and a joy to behold. His young band clearly love him. I commented to Clara afterward how horror people tend to be big kids. Maybe not the obnoxious blowhards you sometimes see at events, but the true giants of the genre, like Stephen King, George Romero, and Claudio Simonetti.
Between the movie and the long set after the screening, it was the best night I had in ages. I will never consider passing up a chance to see Claudio Simonetti's Goblin again.
Written by Mark Sieber
I almost didn't go. Claudio Simonetti's Goblin, the legendary composer/musician responsible for not only scores to Dario Argento masterpieces, but Dawn of the Dead, Zombie, and a host of other Italian horror delicacies.
It was a Sunday night. I get up ridiculously early for work. Plus, being a reading junkie, I'm always up for any excuse to stay home with a book. I relented and bought tickets. How could I resist? Goblin, the relentless prog-jazz band doing a live performance to a screening of Susperia?
The show was on November 13, a perfect way to close out the Halloween season. I was having a difficult time due to some searing personal issues. I was anxious, and I was tempted to bail.
My wife Clara is still learning the horror ropes. She's coming right along, and she enjoys a lot of what she sees and reads. She had not only never seen Susperia, but had never watched an Argento movie.
We went, and it was a beautiful night. The show was in downtown Norfolk, and we got there early and walked the sidewalks a bit. We ate at an Irish pub, and then went on to the Norva theater.
It was first-come, first-served seating and we grabbed some choice chairs in the second row.
The band came out, and Claudio Simonetti introduced himself and his band, assured us we were not about to see the new Susperia, but the original masterpiece. And we were off.I was a little disappointed at first. I've seen Susperia numerous times. The lights were low on Goblin, and I wanted to see them perform. They all get highly unusual sounds out of their instruments on the soundtrack. Not too miffed, I settled in to enjoy the show.
This being her introduction to the world of Dario Argento, Clara was enthralled. I hope I don't have to tell you how stunning Susperia is. The movie is a sumptuous assault on the eyes and ears. Some scenes freaked her out, but she loved it. And what a way to experience it for the first time.
After the movie Claudio asked if we wanted more. What do you think?
The lights came up and the band launched into music from Demons. This is what I came here for, I thought. They went on to do selections from Tenebrae, Dawn of the Dead, and of course Deep Red.
This incarnation of Goblin is phenomenal: Claudio Simonetti on keys and guitar, Daniele Amador on guitar, Cecilia Nappo on bass, and Frederico Maragone on percussion. I am talking Zappa/King Crimson/Return to Forever level musicianship. Astonishing energy and dexterity. My head kept moving from each band member to images from the movies on the big screen.
It was powerful, uplifting, and a salve to my soul. These movies are such a part of me. Especially the Dario Argento classics. Giallo purists may favor Mario Bava, hardcore gorehounds swear by Lucio Fulci. Sickos love Ruggero Deodato and Bruno Mattei. I like them all, but Dario is the king.
Simonetti was so cool. He was obviously happy to be there, grateful, and a joy to behold. His young band clearly love him. I commented to Clara afterward how horror people tend to be big kids. Maybe not the obnoxious blowhards you sometimes see at events, but the true giants of the genre, like Stephen King, George Romero, and Claudio Simonetti.
Between the movie and the long set after the screening, it was the best night I had in ages. I will never consider passing up a chance to see Claudio Simonetti's Goblin again.
Written by Mark Sieber
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