Search - Various Artists :: La Musica della Mafia: Il Canto di Malavita

Great folklore in South Italian dialect

Richard Stoner | Binghamton, NY USA | 12/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A rare glimpse into the dying world of the Calabrian mafia, this CD is endlessly fascinating to those of us who grew up in Sicilian or Southern Italian households and heard stories similar to those in the songs of honor, revenge and sacrifice. Of course knowing the dialect will help any listener appreciate the full meaning of the lyrics, but even those unfamiliar with those terms that appear in almost every song, such as'sango' for blood or 'onore' for honor, can appreciate the wonderful contrast between the harshness of the lyrics and the melody of the songs. The counterpoint and complexity contained in these songs reflect the complex societies from which they come, raw, real and emotionally honest."

Can't get any better than this

11/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is interesting in a great number of ways. First, it's one of those rare quality recordings available outside Italy with folk music from Calabria. Second, the performances are outstanding. The singing sounds like it has sprung from the performers' heart rather than being just a flat interpretation of the music. I imagine that one doesn't necessarily need to understand the lyrics to appreciate this music, as a matter of fact, at certain point one may wish not to know the subject of the songs. The words reflect a world unto our own where a different code of laws reigns supreme and which exists in a dimension most of us would not want to explore except in works of fiction such as Mario Puzo's novels. The lyrics speak of a ruthlessness of spirit which is somewhat disturbing, but this is counterbalanced by the quality of the music. Finally, this will be a treat to those who speak Italian and always wanted to have some exposure to the colourful dialects of the south. Although a few tracks are in Italian, you can hear plenty of Calabrese, a dialect derived from Latin, Arabic, Greek and French."

This album is not the lame Dean Martin they play in Italian

Anthony D. West | Austin, TX | 03/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From what I understand, this album was actually banned in Italy upon its release due to its frank depiction of the Mafia, and its praise of the lifestyle.



The heart and soul the singers put into this music is wonderful, and one can hear the anguish that the life the have chosen and that surrounds gives - even as it is their identity.



The beauty begins with the first song, Ndrangheta, Camurra e Mafia, backed by wonderful traditional guitars and accordion, a baritone singer begins the description of the life.



I Cunfreniti continues as a great song with U Commisario and others.



Again, traditional Italian countryside music with powerful, anguishing vocals.



A must for anyone into World music."