Panda

a look at the music of Vangelis Papathanassiou

Introduction
In 1977 Vangelis' brother Niko produced many popular artists in Italy. One of these groups was "I Panda" who had just produced a hit with "Voglia Di Morire". For their next single Niko brings the group to Vangelis' Nemo studio in London, hoping to produce a worthy successor and another hit with "Notturno". Vangelis helps out his brother and even composes a new song for the B side of the single, "Dimenticare".

"Notturno" is actually a re-arranged version of "Dance of the Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy" from "The Nutcracker" by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (curious spelled as "Ciaikowski" on the 7" single release).

Vangelis arranges both songs and together they record in his studio. Then the band's luck turns... On the way home the master tapes of the recordings are demagnitised at the airport checks, and the songs have to be re-mixed by Niko in Italy. Unfortunately the new single doesn't bring the success that the group had been hoping for, and the single marks the final collaboration of Panda and Niko Papathanassiou...

 

Tracklist and Credits

bulletNotturno (C. Vistarini / Ciaikowski) 3'43
bulletDimenticare (C. Vistarini / V. Papathanassiou) 2'24

Arranged by Vangelis Papathanassiou.
Produced by Niko Papathanassiou.
Sound Engineer Keith Spencer Allen.

Discography

Single
1977 Notturno / Dimenticare Polydor 2060153 Italy/Brazil
 

LP
1978 Various Artists "Sotto Il Segno Del Sole" Polydor 2448 073 Italy (contains "Notturno")

Recording Studio
The songs Notturno and Dimenticare were recorded in Nemo Studios in London in 1977. The groups visit to the studio is also shown on the record sleeve, where all five members are set against the outside wall of the studio!

Lyrics
For all the lyrics of Panda, go to Vangelis and Panda lyrics: Notturno and Dimenticare

 

 

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