Antonio Castrignanó – Babilonia (Ponderosa, 2022)
It is no wonder that this beautifully crafted album reached number last month at the World Music Charts Europe. It is a fantastic combination of southern Italian pizzica and other traditional rhythms and melodies with world music influences from West Africa, Turkey and elsewhere, plus a dash of electronica.
Antonio Castrignanò is a master percussionist, vocalist and innovator. On this fine album, Castrignanò provides lead vocals and plays tambourines, synthesizers and electric mandola. He is joined by Rocco Nigro on accordion and synthesizer; Luigi Marra on vocals and violin; Gianluca Longo on mandola; Maurizio Pellizzari on electric and acoustic guitars and saz; Giuseppe Spedicato on bass; Gianni Gelao on flute, bouzouki, and Italian bagpipe; and Redi Hasa on cello.
Guests include on “Babilonia” include Sona Jobarteh, Mercan Dede, Enzo Avitabile, Don Rico and Badara Seck.
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.