'New' Italian Roots Music

[alister prince]

A cry for help and guidance.
For ages I've been interested in exploring 'new' Italian roots music. I've heard quite a lot of different performances on CD of the more traditional stuff, but not of the 'new wave'. I'm assuming there is one, because there is in most other European countries. Can anyone suggest, links, acts, sources of information, compilations, London gigs, anything really that Will set me on the right strada.
Thanks and ciao
Aly

[Gordon Neill]

I can't provide much of a list of suggestions, but I hate to see a grown man cry. So here's a couple of CDs you might think about:

'Napoli Mediterranea', Pietra Montecorvino. It's about nine years since this came out (and was a Charlie Gillett CD of the month), so I don't know if this qualifies as 'new'. But I've yet to hear a better Italian rootsy CD. Pietra has a husky voice that sounds as though she reeks of fags and booze. Here's her take on the old favourite 'Guaglione':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UON_RmGnkE
Less typical of the rest of the album, but possibly my favourite track, is 'Senza Voce': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkChAyCt-_0

'Pizzica Indiavolata', Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. This is definitely 'new' as it only came out this year. Not as consistently brilliant as the Pietra Montecorvino album, in my opinion, but well worth a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADy73WLYTaU

I'd also recommend getting a hold of the November/December edition of fRoots (number 353/354). It features a free compilation download of music from Puglia (the heel of Italy). It's rather good, I think, with lots of trails to follow.

[alister prince]

Gordon, thanks Great start, I'd forgotten all about Pietra, and will enjoy following up your ideas. For some reason I didn't download the fRoots goodie. I'll dig out the details and give it a listen. Eight or nine years is 'new' by the way. You've helped to stem the tears of a frustrated man!

[alister prince]

Gordon, thanks Great start, I'd forgotten all about Pietra, and will enjoy following up your ideas. For some reason I didn't download the fRoots goodie. I'll dig out the details and give it a listen. Eight or nine years is 'new' by the way. You've helped to stem the tears of a frustrated man!

[NormanD]

Hi Ali - have a listen to Vinicio Capasselo (sorry about spelling, not near the computer) - he did a double Cd a couple of years ago inspired by sea songs and themes.

Calling David M, over to you.

[DavidM]

Ah, yes..... yes..... good question (shuffles, looking at feet).

I should know something, but, in fact, I can't think of many groups that fit the bill. So, by way of an answer I wrote to a friend of mine who suggested the following;

Radio Dervish

Enzo Avitabile e i Bottari (who have been discussed here)

Enrico Capuano

Daniele Sepe

I have quite a few discs by Daniele Sepe who certainly likes mixing up traditional tunes with jazz arrangements and other contemporary sounds. He takes his tunes from many different places not just from Italy, i.e. Eastern Europe or South America. He's most definitely worth a listen.

[Jamie Renton]

Hi Ali

Insintesi Dub mix Italian roots with roots reggae to great effect.

Have a listen here: http://www.insintesidub.it/music.php

[Quintin]

Don't forget Eugenio Bennato (http://www.eugeniobennato.it/) who I saw at Womad yonks ago and was spectacular. Wonderful velvety voice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtaBOTLeB5M . Incidentally I'm sure that the dancer at the end of this clip was in Nidi D'Arac.....also worth checking out.

[Jamie Renton]

I give you London's very own Amaraterra:
http://www.youtube.com/AmaraterraLondon

[Ian A.]

I'd also recommend getting a hold of the November/December edition of fRoots (number 353/354). It features a free compilation download of music from Puglia (the heel of Italy). It's rather good, I think, with lots of trails to follow.

The very wonderful Nidi D'Arac who were included in that and the accompanying feature by Elizabeth Kinder are in the UK shortly. Don't know where you're located but they are doing Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan (22nd Aug), Shrewsbury Folk Festival (23rd), our fRoots night at Towersey Folk Festival on Sunday 25th August (alongside Swiss cajun crazies Mama Rosin) and The Islington, Tolpuddle St, London N1 on Monday 26th. Towersey's under an hour from London up the M40 between High Wycombe & Oxford.

[alister prince]

Thanks, David (and friend), Norman, Quentin, Ian, Jamie, Gordon
I'm on the road to my goal, lots of ideas to follow up and being SOTWsters, a brilliantly varied bundle. It's going to be a fun trip.
Ian, I'm London based so Islington looks ideal.
Aly

[Rob Hall]

Apologies for being late to the party. When it comes to Italy, my personal favourites are Banda Ionica:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmU-boGK ... 3E9790E81C

[Ian A.]

Nidi D'Arac were sensational at Towersey last night, among the most exhilarating things I've seen all year. Seriously recommend anybody in the London area to drop everything and get to see their gig at the Islington tonight. It's the last on this tour and FREE. Young master Denselow seemed mightly impressed last night so I imagine will have a review in the works.

[NormanD]

Fully agree on Nidi D'Arac. The percussive power of a Bo Diddleyish beat can smash through any musical barrier.

[uiwangmike]

I spent a few days in Puglia this summer, and decided I should go back again when it's not so hot. There seemed to be a lot of musical activity - I saw a few posters for festivals, but wasn't able to catch any. My only musical experience, apart from buying some pizzica CDs at a street stall in Lecce, was coming across this splendid bronze statue of Domenico Modugno, composer of Volare, in his home town, Polignano a Mare.
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/kingbr ... 901262730/