Michela Musolino
Songs of Trinacria
© 2003 Michela Musolino & Wilson Montuori (634479075711)
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Mesmerizing, timeless Sicilian Ethnic Music capturing the earthy warmth that is Sicily
tracks
- 1 La Siminzina (feat. Wilson Montuori)
- 2 Matri Ch'Aviti Figli (feat. Wilson Montuori and Alfio Antico)
- 3 U Metiri
- 4 Oli Oli Ola (feat. Wilson Montuori and Alfio Antico)
- 5 Abbobbo (feat. Wilson Montuori)
- 6 Quantu Basilico (feat. Alfio Antico)
- 7 La Vo (feat. Wilson Montuori)
- 8 Acidduzzu (feat. Wilson Montuori and Alfio Antico)
- 9 Figghia di'n Massaru
- 10 Mi Votu e Mi Rivotu (feat. Wilson Montuori)
- 11 Santa Luna (feat. Wilson Montuori and Alfio Antico)
- 12 La Nota di Li Lavannari (feat. Wilson Montuori)
- 13 Vitti 'na Crozza (feat. Alfio Antico)
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Songs of Trinacria is the debut album of Michela Musolino on which she captures the earthy warmth of traditional Sicilian folk music. Michela has performed in such New York City landmark venues as the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center and Saint Mark's Church in the Bowery. She has been researching and performing Sicilian ethnic music for many years and presents the first sampling of this repertoire in her new CD, Songs of Trinacria.
The enormously talented acoustic guitarist Wilson Montuori, who is known both in Italy and in the USA for his work with Livio Guardi, accompanies Michela. Together, Wilson and Michela create a powerful presence that evokes the hardscrabble Sicilian life and the music that its people used to celebrate every aspect of that life.
Also appearing as guest artist on Songs of Trinacria is the acclaimed musician Alfio Antico, who lends his pulsating Sicilian percussion to the music. A bonus track offers a vocal duet of Michela and Alfio. Working with Alfio Antico is the natural evolution of Michela's drive to preserve and present to the world, the rich tradition of Sicilian music.
Michela believes that while ethnic music may foster nationalistic pride, in reality, it is a music that belongs to the whole world. This is especially true of Sicilian folk music in which one can hear the rich influences of many cultures including Arabic, Hellenic and Norman. Through this robust repertoire of songs ranging from tender lullabies to compelling work chants to lively popular tunes, Michela reacquaints listeners with a history long forgotten. This CD offers a true rendition of Sicilian music and conjures images of the rugged hills of Trinacria, the ancient name for the island of Sicily.
reviews
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Songs of Trinacria
author: Thomas BognannoA wonderful collection of Sicilian folk music - authenic and soulful even with the absence of the traditonal folk instruments that often accompany Sicilian music. Michela Musolino transported me to the ancient hills of Enna and touched my heart - and left me longing for more.
Songs of Trinacria
author: Michael A. NicosiaThank you for the lovely glimpse of my Sicilian musical heritage. I spoke Sicilian at home before I started school and I was amazed at how much I understood of some of the lyrics.I also enjoyed the authentic feel of a deeply rooted folk tradition. I hope you record more of this amazing music.
Songs of the Trinacria
author: Steve AlbiniThis is one of the most outstanding CDs of Sicilian music available anywhere! If you like artists such as Carlo Muratori, Carmelo Salemi, and Sara Cappello, you will love Michela Musolino!
Songs of Trinacria
author: marygrace m raspanteA beautiful and extraordinary expression of the soul of the Sicilian people. It truly "pulls the heartstrings" of those of us who are of Sicilian descent.
The music is very soulful.
author: mariesa-lize etienneI love this music very much and I studied Italian singing for years ...
- author: Stevie Grosso
I never really grew up hearing much Italian or Sicilian at all in my house. In fact, neither languaqe was spoken eventhough my father speaks Sicilian and Italian. My mother only understands. I've been rediscovering my roots and for those who are going through the same as I, this is a perfect start for your journey. Songs of Trinacria is nothing but amazing. From the first note of the Wilson Montuori's guitar to the first sound of Michela's beautiful and truthful voice, you become transported to Bedda Sicilia. I was in Sicily last year and listening to this CD brings me back to that summer. Songs of Trinacria is a work of Art and should be a part of everyone's music collection. Each song touches one's heart and soul and paints a picture of truth that is Bedda Sicila. Auguri Michela!!
I enjoyed Michela Musolino's music very much, It brings much joy to my heart whe
author: Loretta A. Sinacore Van PeltI just lost my mom two years ago, but listening to this CD brings me back to my childhood, remembering when my mom sang to me. So I am having wonderful memories of my mom while listening to the CD. I would also like to thank CDBaby I think you have a nice Company keep up the great work. Thanks again. Loretta Ann
Enthralling and earthy roots music of Sicily
author: Joe RossTrinacria, a word meaning "triangle," is the ancient name for Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and which happens to be shaped like a triangle. The Italian island is home to beaches, mountains, forests, vineyards, olive groves, wheat fields, and orchards of lemons, oranges and almonds. It's also home to a rich folk music tradition with many multicultural roots. Michela Musolino is a New Jersey-based Italian singer who presents an interesting program of lullabies, love songs, work chants, and folk melodies. The former member of the Italian music and theater group I Giullari di Piazza is also a percussionist, and she plays tamburello on two cuts. Most of the percussion (tamburo and tamburello), however, is very ably handled by Alfio Antico, who was born in Sicily and who worked there as a shepherd until age eighteen. This album also features classical and steel string guitarist Wilson Montuori, who has performed for the past decade in an eclectic duo with Livio Guardi. Their duo's CD entitled "Diomedee," is a nice song collection inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. "Songs of Trinscria" is a bright and breezy showcase of Musolino's impressive talent as a singer. Her voice is the center of attention on this project. The guitar and percussion accompaniment is perfect for songs of this nature, and Musolino's vocalizing displays an emotional and honest appreciation for music that is clearly "a very big part of her heart." Montuori provided background vocals on three tracks, while a bonus song ("Vitti 'na Crozza) is sung by Antico. That particular piece is an old, well-known and beloved folk song about a person who sees a skull sitting atop a corner cabinet. When asked what it is doing there, the skull replies that it had the misfortune of not having heard bells ringing at its death and so it's consigned to this unhappy state. The album's liner notes state that "it expresses the very human desire to be able to meet the end of life with the comfort that comes from prayers, a proper funeral and a decent burial." It might have been nice to include some mandolin, harp or bifera in the mix, as such folk instruments often accompany such songs. Also, I wish that the CD jacket would have have provided more than just a line or two of translation for each of the folk songs. I understand that eventually all lyrics with translation will be available on Michela's website at www.michelamusolino.com The folk songs of Sicily are engaging, and Musolino interprets them with a bouyant, smooth, relaxed style. Some, like "U Metiri" and "Figghia di'n Massaru," are even sung a capella, presumably in a traditional way that emphasizes the story and message of the song. Another, "Quantu Basilico," is sung only with percussion and is described as "a love song?…or a teasing chant between a man and a woman?" Straightforward instrumental work enhances the lyrical nature of this folk music. The earthy roots music of Sicily is enthralling, and it was a pleasure to discover it on this album. Michela Musolino's debut album shows that she is consummate performer, as well as folklorist. The efforts of her research have paid off with bountiful rewards on "Songs of Trinacria," an album that celebrates the Sicilian people and their way of life. While folk songs such as "Abbobbo" and "Mi Votu e Mi Rivotu" have been also interpreted and recorded previously by such artists as Cecila Pitino, one should never tire of these beautiful melodic favorites sung to tastefully-rendered nylon-string guitar. The full trio of Musolino, Antico and Montuori hopes to tour in 2004 to bring Sicilian roots music to audiences throughout the U.S. Michela feels that this music belongs to the whole world, and she is a performer who is proud of her heritage, and she is working hard to perpetuate her musical traditions. A Sicilian proverb states, "Cu gaddu e senza gaddu, diu fa journa," which means to "give credit where credit is due." Michela Musolino deserves much credit for her efforts. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon)