Focu de paja (Italian World Music, 2009)
Briganti di Terra d’Otranto is an exciting contemporary tarantella band from the Apulia region of Italy. On Focu de paja the band perform Italian traditional sounds based on the steady rhythms of dual tambourines, engaging vocalists and vibrant fiddle and flute melodies.
The band lineup includes Giovanni Sperti on guitar and vocals; Andrea Cappello on tambourines and tammorra; Amedeo De Netto: on tambourines and tammorra; Antonella Esposito: on vocals and castanets; Tonino Friolo on guitar, bass, percussion and vocals; Cristian Palma on violins; Stefano Blanco on flute and ottavino; and dancer Emanuela Vergari.
The song selection includes traditional pieces from Salento as well as originals by Friolo and Sperti.
Briganti Di Terra D’Otranto hails from Salento and performs a mix of pizzica, taranta, and the ancient heritage of Greece’s Griko music. The name Briganti is an old and rabble-rousing Italian term that indicates someone willing to rise up against suppression of freedom. In this case, Briganti Di Terra D’Otranto rises against the globalisation of the music market and its mass media. The band is committed to preserving its own musical identity from cultural colonization and erosion.
Focu de paja is a great introduction to the infectious rhythms of the popular music from the Salento area of Italy.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
