Novecento: The Italian Funk and Disco Collective

Novecento is an Italian disco and funk band that achieved international success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hailing from Milan, the group is best known for their smooth, sophisticated sound and their major hit "Movin' On," which became a dance floor staple across Europe and beyond.

Early career

The band was formed in Milan in 1975 by vocalist Dora Carofiglio and keyboardist Pino Nicolosi. Their early work was rooted in jazz-funk, and they quickly gained a reputation on the Italian club circuit for their polished live performances.

Their self-titled debut album, Novecento, was released in 1976 on the Italian label Baby Records. This initial release established their signature blend of soulful vocals, lush orchestration, and tight rhythm sections.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1978 with their third studio album, Movin' On. The title track became a massive European hit, propelling the album to strong chart positions in several countries and establishing them as leading figures in the European disco scene.

This success was solidified with subsequent releases like 1979's Greatest Hits compilation and 1980's Summer album. Their music found a particularly receptive audience in the Netherlands and Germany, where they achieved gold certifications for album sales.

Key tracks

Movin' On — This 1978 single is their definitive hit, a driving disco anthem that defined their international success.

Remember — A lush, mid-tempo ballad from the Movin' On album that showcased the band's versatility and melodic strength.

Let's Do It Again — A later track that exemplified their transition into a smoother, more radio-friendly funk sound in the early 1980s.

Yesterdays — This track highlights their jazz influences and remains a fan favorite for its sophisticated arrangement.

Following their peak commercial period, Novecento continued to record and tour throughout the 1980s, releasing albums like Novecento 5 in 1982. Their sound evolved with the times, incorporating elements of boogie and modern soul while maintaining their core identity. The band has experienced several reunions and lineup changes over the decades, with founding member Pino Nicolosi often at the helm, keeping their classic catalog alive for new generations of funk and disco enthusiasts. Their music has been sampled by various hip-hop and electronic producers, cementing their legacy in dance music history.

Fans of the Italian group's polished funk and disco sound should also explore similar artists featured on our site. Listen to Change for a comparable blend of disco and R&B led by powerful vocals. Discover Kool & The Gang for another group that mastered the transition from jazz-funk to sleek dance music. Check out Chic for the quintessential sophisticated disco sound that influenced Novecento's style. Explore Gino Soccio for another artist known for crafting intricate and driving disco instrumentals.

The music of Novecento maintains regular rotation on a variety of radio stations featured on our network. Their classic hits are staples on dedicated disco and funk channels, while their smoother tracks appear on adult contemporary and classic pop stations. Online radio streams focusing on 70s and 80s dance music frequently program their songs, ensuring their sound reaches both nostalgic listeners and new fans discovering the era.

You can hear the timeless funk and disco of Novecento on radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their iconic hits and deeper album cuts as part of our curated music programming.