DUO MORENO

Cesare and Sandro Scartozzi, the brothers behind Duo Moreno, formed their group in Rome during the mid-1950s. In 1958 Hollywood came to Rome to film the epic movie, Ben Hur. In those days CGI did not exist, everything was done on a grand scale, including the thousands of extras needed. Sandro was 21 and Cesare was 19, they were chosen as extras in three scenes, most notably the chariot race scene. They moved to Australia in 1960 for an 18-month engagement, performing Italian and Mediterranean music at the Royal Hayman Hotel on Hayman Island, owned by Sir Reginald Ansett. After their time there, they decided to stay in Australia, thriving on TV and performing at upscale venues like Res Oriental and Le Chateau in Melbourne, and The Highway in Adelaide. That same year, they signed with Astor Records, releasing their debut single "Carina / A Sonnambula," followed by an EP and an album both titled "Italian Holiday." 

In 1963, they expanded into a quartet, adding saxophonist/drummer Euro Sabatini and guitarist Mimmo Fornaro, both recruited from Italy. They later moved to the W&G label, where they released numerous singles and albums over a ten-year period in which their popularity soared within the Italian community. Following a lineup change with Fornaro's departure, they evolved into a combo, adding guitarist Nello Giansiracusa, bassist Renato Buzari, and percussionist Maurice Souery. They released "The New Sound Of The Duo Moreno Combo" and "Midnight At Le Chateau". That year, they bought property in Melbourne’s Kilsyth suburb, creating their venue, The Villa Borghese. This venue became their base, where they built a thriving restaurant and entertainment business. In 1977, they expanded the Villa to include Capriccio’s 77, featuring a colorful glass dance floor. Duo Moreno’s recordings showcased their versatility, performing Latin American rhythms, contemporary pop hits, and Italian classics. They were also skilled songwriters, winning the Australian Italian Song Festival four times.

Members

Sandro Scartozzi (drums, percussion, vocals, guitar), Cesare Scartozzi (guitar, keyboards, vocals, accordion), Luisa Scartozzi (vocals & harmony), Ross Spinello (guitar, vocals), Nello Giansiracusa (guitar), Andre Shusta (bass), Renato Buzzari (bass), Silvester Roxas (trumpet, horns), Euro Sabattini (sax), Maurice Souery (congas, drums), Mimmo Fornaro (guitar)

SINGLES

''Carina / 'A Sonnambula'' 1960 Astor

''Amore Fermati / Sie e Spento Il Sole'' 1964 W&G
''Bimme / Nota Per Me A'' 1964 W&G
''Uno Per Tutte / Se Piangi Tu'' 1964 W&G
''Por Dos Besos / Cielo'' 1964 W&G
''Ogni Volta / I Love You Bambina'' 1964 W&G
''Al Di La / Why Don't We Get Married'' 1964 W&G
''Questo Grande Amore / Amore A Peazione''1967 W&G
''Nel Sole / Serenata'' 1967 W&G
''Hully Gully A Mezzanotte / 77 Sunset Strip'' 1968 W&G
''Sha-La-La-La-La / Tintarella Di Luna'' 1968 W&G
''Luna Carrese / Che Ce Conce'' 1968 W&G
''Che Tipo / La Vita Non E Vita'' 1968 W&G
''Gli Occhi Miel / Che Vuoi Che Sia'' 1968 W&G
''La Nova / Allora Si'' 1968 W&G
''Stornelli Romaneschi (Part 1) / Stornelli Romaneschi (Part 2)'' 1968 W&G
''Scende La Ploggia / La La La'' 1968 W&G
''Dondolo / Ob LAdi Ob Lada'' 1968 W&G
''Pensando A Te / Alla Fine Della Straoa'' 1969 W&G
''Quando L'Amore A Viena / La Sols Per Me'' 1969 W&G
''Ti Ho Inventata / Non Credere'' 1969 W&G
''Tarantella / Amore Siciliano'' 1969 W&G
''Rose Rosse / Mai Nessuno'' 1969 W&G
''Pa'Diglielo A Ma / Neuicava A Roma'' 1970 W&G
''Serenita / Varca Lucente'' 1970 W&G
''As Long As There's Love In Your Eyes / There's No Limit'' 1970 W&G
''Ghitarra Suono Piu Piano / Settembre'' 1971 W&G
''Vino Amaro / Paese'' 1972 W&G
''Come Bello Fa L'Amore / Fiori Trasteverini'' 1974 W&G
''Cherie Sha La La / Voglia Di Mare'' 1974 W&G

EPs
'Italian Holiday' 1960 Astor

'Cha-Cha-Cha With The Duo Moreno Quartet' 1964 W&G
'Amore Scusami' 1965 W&G
'Forget Domani' 1965 W&G
'San Remo '67' 1967 W&G
'San Remo '68' 1968 W&G
'San Remo '69 In Stereo' 1969 W&G

ALBUMS
'Italian Holiday' 1960 Astor
'Italian Favourites' 1962 Astor
'Rome By Night' 1963 Astor
'Live At Mario's' 1965 W & G
'The New Sound Of The Duo Moreno Combo' 1967 W & G
'Midnight At Le Chateau' 1969 W & G
'Cha! Cha! Cha! 1968 W & G
'Moreno's On The Move' 1970 W & G
'The Godfather' 1974 W & G
'Beautiful Sunday / Live At Villa Borghese' 1972 W & G
'From The Moreno's With Love' 1974 W & G
'Italian All Time Hit Parade' Summit