New Cuorey’s Legacy: Revisiting the Timeless Soul of ‘L-Antiki’
- Noel Mifsud
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Nine years ago, in September, I celebrated my fiftieth birthday and, as is tradition, invited friends to mark the occasion — in fact, more than just a few. Among the memorable gifts I received was a CD compilation by the band New Cuorey, lovingly put together by one of the group’s two founding members. This gift, from the Grech family, remains one of my most treasured possessions. The songs on the album hold a special place in my heart, as they take me back to my childhood, when New Cuorey’s music was a constant presence on the radio in my parents’ home. With this article, I hope to pay tribute to their timeless music and enduring legacy.
In September 2016, Maltese music history received a heartfelt revival with the release of New Cuorey – L-Antiki, a CD compilation of eight original tracks recorded between 1972 and 1977. Curated and produced by Joe S. Grech, co-founder of New Cuorey, the album stands as both a personal and national homage—reawakening the golden era of Maltese pop and folk music while showcasing the powerful voice of the late Sammy Bartolo, the band’s iconic frontman.
The CD, which includes hits like Vietnam, Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa, and L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel, was remastered for contemporary audio systems without altering the raw charm of the original reel-to-reel tape recordings. These songs were a staple on Maltese radio stations in the 1970s and played a key role in the musical identity of a generation. As Joe S. Grech explains, "The recording technology was nothing like today's—it was limited and not easy, but still sufficient to document the atmosphere and energy we carried at the time."
Grech’s production notes highlight a particularly endearing anecdote: during the recording of Riviera Blu, which took place partly at the Mellieħa Bay Hotel and partly in his own home, the sound of a passing car was inadvertently captured around the 1:28 mark—a small flaw that now stands as a testament to the authenticity and spontaneity of the band’s process. “We had no opportunity for editing or post-production,” he recalled. “These songs… are exactly how we first played and recorded them.”
Each of the eight tracks on L-Antiki reflects the diverse musical talents of the band and the collaboration between lyricists like Anthony Fenech, Alfred C. Sant, and Paul Abela. The songwriting paints vivid scenes of Maltese life and emotion—whether it’s the poignant social commentary in Vietnam, the nostalgic beauty of Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa, or the melancholic storytelling in L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel.
Track Listing:
Vietnam (A. Fenech / J.S. Grech)
The Girl I Had (Joe Bartolo / J.S. Grech)
Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa (A. Fenech / P. Abela, J.S. Grech)
Bħal daż-Żmien Konna Flimkien (Alf. C. Sant / P. Abela)
L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel (Alf. C. Sant / P. Abela)
Riviera Blu (A. Fenech / J.S. Grech)
Id-Dgħajsa tal-Latini (A. Fenech / J.S. Grech)
Baby Where Are You Tonight (Alf. C. Sant / P. Abela)
These tracks were recorded across various studios—from Brittannia Studios in St. Julian’s to Smash Studios in Fgura—with many pressed under labels like Taurus, Deo Luck, and Sunshine Records. Notable collaborators included Charles ‘City’ Gatt on bongos and the ever-consistent support of the band’s core musicians: Joe Bartolo on drums, Paul Abela on organ and piano, and Joe S. Grech himself on guitar and bass.
The 2016 release was not merely a reissue—it was a family endeavor that bridged generations. Joe S. Grech's sons, Julian and Chris Grech, musicians in their own right (Frenzy Mono and Nomad Son), were deeply involved in the album’s research, remastering, and digital conversion. The album artwork, designed by Alexia Baldacchino, evokes the classic aesthetic of 1970s Maltese vinyl, especially the group’s famed 1974 release Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa.
The project was supported by Grech’s wife Alice, to whom he dedicated the album: “To my wife Alice, for her constant contribution and patience throughout my musical life.” Her support, along with that of their children, is etched into the spirit of this compilation.
At the heart of L-Antiki is the unforgettable voice of Sammy Bartolo, whose expressive tenor became a hallmark of New Cuorey’s sound. Bartolo passed away in 1997, yet his voice lives on—resonant, emotional, and unmistakably Maltese. The collection allows listeners to rediscover Bartolo’s rich vocals in their unedited glory, a true reflection of live musicianship and emotional connection.
Founded in 1967 as I New Cuori by Sammy Bartolo and Joe S. Grech, the band was soon renamed New Cuorey in 1972 to enhance pronunciation abroad. Performing extensively at the Mellieħa Bay Hotel and in international venues across England and Canada, New Cuorey became synonymous with Maltese musical excellence. Their early years saw them backing international cabaret acts, further refining their style and cohesion.
The group’s commitment to authentic Maltese songwriting—without pandering to commercial formulas—won them lasting admiration. Even decades later, songs like L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel were reinterpreted by artists such as Claudio Baglioni, confirming their cross-cultural and enduring relevance.
L-Antiki is more than a compilation—it’s a carefully preserved cultural artifact, a labor of memory and devotion. It captures the pulse of a Malta on the cusp of modernity, told through melodies that echo with sea breezes, village squares, and voices raised in harmony.
As Joe S. Grech so eloquently puts it, “These songs, besides being the originals, are exactly how we first played and recorded them.” And it is precisely in that unfiltered honesty that their magic endures.
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