Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino
Pizzica Indiavolata
Ponderosa Music & Art 101

www.canzonieregrecanicosalentino.net
 

One of the best musical discoveries I made recently was this fantastic band from southern Italy. I attended two superb live concerts and can tell you that this studio CD is every bit as good as their live show.

Hailing from the Salento region, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino’s music is inspired by that area’s “taranta” tradition, which is very rhythmic. And most of the tracks on this CD are quite danceable – this is really energetic stuff (except for the one, slow, ballad type number). Everything here is tightly arranged, and both the vocal and instrumental work is top notch. Especially noteworthy are the lead singing of Maria Mazzotta and the multi-part vocal harmonies on several songs.

Certainly this CD is recommended for anyone who enjoys Italian roots music. But Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino’s vocal and instrumental blend reminded me a lot of French folk rockers Malicorne and early Steeleye Span. If you go for precise harmony singing over colorful and energetic instrumental arrangements (featuring woodwinds, violin, accordion, percussion, electric bass, guitar, bouzouki) this is another band for you.

The CD booklet includes an informative band biography and printed lyrics in Italian. For translations to English, go to: http://www.canzonieregrecanicosalentino.net

— Ken Roseman