DUO MORENO

Cesare and Sandro Scartozzi, the brothers who made up Duo Moreno, started their group in Rome in the mid-1950s. In 1958, Hollywood arrived in Rome to film the epic Ben Hur. Back then, there was no CGI, so everything was done on a massive scale, including hiring thousands of extras. At 21 and 19, Sandro and Cesare landed roles as extras in three scenes, most famously the chariot race. In 1960, they headed to Australia for an 18-month gig performing Italian and Mediterranean music at the Royal Hayman Hotel on Hayman Island, owned by Sir Reginald Ansett. When their contract ended, they decided to make Australia home, finding success on TV and playing at top 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 grew into a quartet by adding saxophonist/drummer Euro Sabatini and guitarist Mimmo Fornaro, both hailing from Italy. They later signed with the W&G label, releasing numerous singles and albums over a decade as their popularity soared within the Italian community. After Fornaro’s departure, they became a combo with guitarist Nello Giansiracusa, bassist Renato Buzari, and percussionist Maurice Souery joining the lineup. They put out 'The New Sound of the Duo Moreno Combo' and 'Midnight at Le Chateau.' That same year, they purchased property in Melbourne’s Kilsyth suburb, establishing The Villa Borghese as their own venue, which became the heart of their thriving restaurant and entertainment business. In 1977, they expanded it to include Capriccio’s 77, complete with a colorful glass dance floor. Duo Moreno’s recordings reflected their versatility, spanning Latin American rhythms, contemporary pop hits, and Italian classics. They were also accomplished 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