CANTODISCANTO
Malmediterraneo
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(....) Cantodiscanto are (...) from Naples but although the songs are
mostly sung in Neapolitan and the roots of their music are in the
Neapolitan traditions, most of the material on Malmediterraneo is written
by members of the band. Pan-Mediterranean styles such as flamenco, Eastern
European are intermingled with jazz, African, South American and even rap
influences; surely Ma ch'è fari has got to be the most relaxed rap ever
recorded. The subjects of the songs vary both in tenor and scope from the
Neapolitan themes of I' te cunzolo, Tu m'he lassato and 4 giorni una
storia, through the poetic lines of Faisal or Scuorno to the stern
anti-war sentiments of Bandera and A chi vò 'sta Guerra.
The more serious topics are dealt with in a sensitive, authoritative way
that avoids any pompous preaching and is supported by music that perfectly
compliments the mood. The mixture of styles is unforced and has an organic
quality, the wonderfully expressive singing is exquisite and the
instrumental performances are superbly arranged and deftly executed.
Malmediterraneo is a fascinating album that is packed with gentle
surprises and is a pleasure from the start to finish.

Michael Hingston