Old and New Sounds from Ancient Mediterranean Islands

Illes Balears del Folk al Pop (Blau CD400, 2004)

This compilation by Mallorca-based Produccions Blau features music by artists from the Balearic Islands of Spain. There are four islands represented: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The styles range from folk and singer songwriters to pop and contemporary instrumental.
Música Nostra is one of the better known folk ensembles. The group uses the Balearic language, which is derived from Catalan. Other folk groups, like Ibiza's UC, plays instrumental music led by a small flute. Biel Majoral is another well known folk group. On the song "Es Burjons" they recreate traditional music with wind instruments. S'albaida plays a fandango, which is a style widely extended in the mainland. Sis Som performs an a capella song in Balearic.

Joan Bibiloni (a male musician, Joan is a male name in the Catalan-speaking parts of Spain) is the best known artist from the region. He is a virtuoso guitarist and has recorded contemporary instrumental music, jazz and other styles. On this compilation he performs a song with a Brazilian feel, accompanied by orchestral strings.