Enzo Avitabile & Bottari - Salvamm' O Munno (2004)

«Italian saxophonist Enzo Avitabile went from being a noted sideman to blazing his own trail in the new millennium fusing traditional Italian music with progressive, new ideas. Born in Naples in 1955, Avitabile began studying sax as early as age seven. His musical path led him to conservatory, where he would gain an education in both contemporary and traditional musical techniques. Throughout the early ‘80s Avitabile worked as a sideman, backing up the most famous names in pop music. In the 20 years that he logged as a musician-for-hire, Avitabile was solicited by musical greats like James Brown, Richie Havens, Tina Turner, hip-hop legend Afrika Bambaataa, and more. At the dawn of the new century, Avitabile sought a new direction for his musical career. Harnessing the centuries-old musical power of the Bottari tradition, where percussionists made huge drums out of wine vats, Avitabile created a powerful and unique ensemble. Through performances on renown stages like the Womad world music festival and high praise for the group’s debut record, Save the World (Salvamm’o munno), Enzo Avitabile and Bottari gained significant attention from folk and progressive music audiences. Drawing on southern Italian and north African musical concepts, Avitabile gained a reputation as a musical innovator and cultural historian. The band’s second record, Festa Farina e Forca (2007), enjoyed a lasting presence on World Music Charts Europe.»

Salvamm'o munno

«The Mediterranean is a cultural crossroads, and musical traditions have crept across water and borders to influence other countries. It’s quite evident in the Italian music of Enzo Avitabile and Bottari, where the heat of Italy mixes with the dry sounds of North Africa. The basis of their sound is the rural Bottari rhythms, banged out on sickles and barrels. It gives a powerful underlay to the sound, which is filled out by plenty of guests, many of them from across the water – people like Khaled, Amina, and Simon Shaheen, among others. But they only emphasize the Maghrebi flavor that’s an intrinsic part of this Southern Italian sound. It’s an energetic, spiritual album, ranging from traditional dance rhythms such as the pastellessa and the zeza (along with the slower passo del morte), and even a touch of soul on the live cut “O Munno Se Move”. Everywhere there’s a full sound, and the guests, who also include Hugh Masekela and the almost ubiquitous Manu Dibango, fit into the music rather than stand out, making for a wonderful, sonorous integration. It transcends country and gives passion – a remarkable achievement. Add in two video cuts and you have a real winner.» (AMG)

Link in comments (video tracks included)