Edoardo Vianello E The Flippers - Il Peperone

Year Released: 1962
Genre: Italian Pop / Beat / Twist

Description:

“Il Peperone” by Edoardo Vianello e The Flippers is a lively Italian pop 7″ single released in 1962 on RCA Italiana (catalog no. PM45 3069). The record captures the bright, playful spirit of early 1960s Italian popular music — a period marked by dance-oriented tunes, witty lyrics, and the emergence of youthful, modern rhythms that reflected the cultural optimism of postwar Italy.

Edoardo Vianello, one of the defining figures of Italy’s estate beat (summer pop) scene, collaborated here with The Flippers, a Roman instrumental group featuring young musicians who would later become key figures in Italian progressive rock and jazz (including Lucio Dalla on saxophone). Together, they produced a record that bridges traditional Italian songwriting with the emerging energy of early rock ’n’ roll and twist music.

The A-side, “Il Peperone” (“The Bell Pepper”), is a humorous and rhythmically infectious song that plays on Vianello’s trademark blend of novelty lyrics and danceable arrangements. Driven by bouncy percussion, handclaps, and bright horn flourishes, the track exemplifies the carefree sound that made Vianello one of Italy’s best-selling artists of the early ’60s. Its lighthearted lyrics and catchy melody made it a summer favorite, fitting within the same lineage as his later classics “Guarda Come Dondolo” and “Abbronzatissima.”

The B-side typically features “I Delfini”, a similarly upbeat tune that complements the A-side with its beach-party energy and melodic charm. Both sides display the hallmarks of Italian twist and beat music — crisp arrangements, playful rhythms, and an unmistakable sense of fun.

While “Il Peperone” didn’t achieve the massive popularity of Vianello’s biggest hits, it remains a cult favorite among collectors of early 1960s Italian pop, valued for its connection to the pre-beat era and its collaboration with The Flippers — whose lineup later evolved into important acts of Italy’s late-’60s music scene.

Musically, the record combines elements of swing-era instrumentation and early rock rhythm, showcasing the transitional sound of Italian pop before the full British Invasion influence took hold. The Flippers’ polished performance and Vianello’s charismatic vocals create a sound that is both charmingly nostalgic and rhythmically infectious.

Original pressings on RCA Italiana feature the classic black label with silver print and the distinctive “dog and gramophone” logo. The 7″ was issued with a picture sleeve showing Edoardo Vianello in colorful summer attire — consistent with the carefree, beach-themed branding that became his signature style.

“Il Peperone” endures as a snapshot of Italy’s early-’60s pop culture — cheerful, danceable, and infused with the humor and warmth that defined Vianello’s long and beloved career. For collectors, it’s a charming and historically significant entry that links the lighthearted optimism of the twist era with the musical sophistication soon to emerge in Italian popular music.