Fortunato Isgro, Joe Mandica + Tony Pantano, “Didn’t Take The Time” (2015)

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If these names ring a bell, that’s expected because these guys are members of the Initiative, an Australian based band whose marvelous self-titled debut album from 2013 continues to make enormous strides. The performers in the band are engaged in other musical activities as well, and the latest moonlighting project is this arresting song and video.

Written by Joe Mandica, “Didn’t Take The Time” also includes Brendan Mitchell on pedal steel guitar, Vince Madaffari on drums, and Andy Burns on piano, organ, choir, and bass. The presentation was produced by Adam Calaitzis and recorded at Toyland Recording Studio and Fantasy Cave Studio in Melbourne, Australia.

Conducted by a curtain of emotionally assured vocals parallel to Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison in country flight, “Didn’t Take The Time” grips both the heart and ears from the second the song starts playing. The tear-jerking timbre of a pedal steel guitar, interspersed with earthy acoustic strumming and electric riffs, add extra weight and texture to the tune, while the keyboards illuminate with melody and the drums provide a steady and infectious beat.

Poised, polished and crooning with regret, “Didn’t Take The Time” is one of those rare country songs capable of pleasing all kinds of music fans. Dabbed with a standard pop bent and swarming with soul, this gem from Fortunato Isgro, Joe Mandica and Tony Pantano gleams with crossover appeal.

Great job, fellows. Let’s hear more!

Beverly Paterson