Italian Musical Odyssey

Amazon.com
There is more to Italian music than the Three Tenors, "O Sole Mio," and "Volare." A burgeoning folk revival has fostered a diverse crop of ensembles and singer-songwriters hailing from throughout the country, including Naples. Their styles range from contemporary neo-trad to the earthiest rural troubadours. Clichés quickly fall by the wayside before such a startling wealth of cultural outpourings. Among the most surprising revelations are Agricantus and La Ciapa Rusa, both of whom would be perfectly at home sitting in with Celtic acts, and Lucilla Galeazzi, a noted musicologist whose mournful, flexible mezzo evokes the shadows of Portuguese fado. The Fratelli Mancuso are a Sicilian duo who sound as though they are channeling the spirit of Gordon Lightfoot. Calic does a kind of Sardinian toasting, while Riccardo Tesi, Tuscany's melodeon virtuoso, exhibits his mastery. This is a stimulating introduction to an extraordinary family of performers and traditions. --Christina Roden

From Rhythm Magazine
Putumayo offers us a short but sweet sampler of Italian roots music today. Although important Italian roots artists like Umbria's Lucilla Galeazzi, the Neapolitan Rua Port'Alba, and the Sardinian group C`lic are included, it lacks several well known artists such as Alessandro Belloni or Mario Crispi. Still, songs from each region speak to the wonderful diversity of Italian traditions. Mellow acoustic cuts prevail: Full-throated vocals star in presentations from Fratelli Mancuso and Novalia, but the Argicantus cut is a folky ditty devoid of its usual defiant techno production. Sugary accordions are emphasized over banging drums. The stereotypical notions of operatic tenors singing to senoras in the town square should be demolished by this manifestation of the depth and diversity of Italian musical traditions. This is Italian roots music-it is important that it is heard outside of Italy. But there is more than this. -Brian Grosjean

Tracks:

Spunta Lu Suli - Agricantus
La Torinese - La Ciapa Rusa
Quante Stelle Nel Cielo Con La Luna - Lucilla Galeazzi
Il Battagliero - Riccardo Tesi
Adrianna - Rua Port'Alba
Accussi Va La Barca Al Mari - Fratelli Mancuso
Attinde - Calic
Bealaguna - Calicanto
Franziska - Taken
Canti & Briganti - Novalia
Senza Parla - Nuova Compagnia Di Canto Popolare

Amazon.com

There is more to Italian music than the Three Tenors, "O Sole Mio," and "Volare." A burgeoning folk revival has fostered a diverse crop of ensembles and singer-songwriters hailing from throughout the country, including Naples. Their styles range from contemporary neo-trad to the earthiest rural troubadours. Clichés quickly fall by the wayside before such a startling wealth of cultural outpourings. Among the most surprising revelations are Agricantus and La Ciapa Rusa, both of whom would be perfectly at home sitting in with Celtic acts, and Lucilla Galeazzi, a noted musicologist whose mournful, flexible mezzo evokes the shadows of Portuguese fado. The Fratelli Mancuso are a Sicilian duo who sound as though they are channeling the spirit of Gordon Lightfoot. Calic does a kind of Sardinian toasting, while Riccardo Tesi, Tuscany's melodeon virtuoso, exhibits his mastery. This is a stimulating introduction to an extraordinary family of performers and traditions. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT!.......2004-01-21

My mom was born in Sicily and I was browsing through the CD samples looking for Italian music from her place of birth. How lucky to have stumbled upon this CD! It only has a couple of pieces from Sicily, but it "grabbed" me from the very first note...and it got better and better. Then, "Quante stelle nel cielo con la luna" is, in my opinion, one of the best songs in the CD. The singer has a strong, crystal clear, and, in spite of the strength, very sweet voice...wonderful interpretation. I must confess that I was not familiar with this type of music. This is a contemporary approach to traditional music. Folk music with a wonderful touch. There are various interpreters, so you get the full taste of different styles. The blend of instruments, styles and voices is just beautiful. Some pieces are sweet, some so lively that you feel like dancing, and all are wonderful. I will have to get extra copies for my son and my sister.

OK, I'll give it a 4.5.......2003-10-03

I love this CD. If for not other reason, buy it for Lucilla Galeazzi's sublime "Quante stelle nel cielo con la luna". Her voice is strong yet smooth. Her delivery is moving. Unfortunately, her music is hard to find, so I get it where I can. Luckily, this CD also has many other gems touching on several major styles of contemporary Italian folk music. This music polished and by true musicians singing in Italian an in dialect. It is well produced and played. Kick back and enjoy!

Great selection - A must have.......2002-08-09

What a pleasure to listen to this CD. The songs are enchanting, and as always, very well chosen by Putumayo.

I was not familiar with this style of Italian music - very different from Italian pop - but it is very easy to appreciate and get addicted to. You could really tell the influence of traditional values on the songs: the music, the singers' voices, etc.

Authentic Italian, strongly recommend it.

Italian Music Odyssey - Speaks for itself.......2002-07-12

Excellent composition and sound quality. If you want an Italian alternative to 'Volare' etc. then this is definitely worth a listen. We bought it to play in our Italian restaurant and it was ideal for this giving our regulars a refreshing alternative to the usual rat pack sounds. It is quite unusual in some places but very enjoyable with catchy songs. Excellent music to kick back and read to or have playing whilst having guests for dinner.

A great collection of Italian folk music.......2001-07-13

This is truly an amazing album. Wonderful music throughout. Italy sure does have more music going for it, than classical and opera. And this album showcases 11 great songs from traditional folk to more modern compositions, although even those are in the traditional style. The 23 page booklet is great, with a 2 page essay on Italy and its music, and a photo and information on each artist and song featured. Another good thing about these songs, is that a lot of the old traditional instruments are used. It is so good to know that their are artists who keep alive the old songs, instruments and tradition.

Music Album:

Music Album