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. ~ Chris Nickson