An interesting compilation of Italian sounds, this album focuses on the traditional music of the nation, but with subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) fusions with electronics, world music, and cross-germinated sounds. The bulk of the performers herein have some tie to music scholardom, and many use long-gone instruments recreated or recovered after research. The music hovers within traditional courses for the most part, with regional influence being the key. The groups heard here hail from Sardinia, Sicily, the Piedmont region, Calabria in the south, Umbria, and beyond. Each takes it as a mission to represent the music of times past in some way from their region. As such, the music has a good range of sounds, from the relaxed ballads of love to the more rhythmic dances (listen to Xiero's Calabrian masterpiece for a prime example). Given the rarity of traditional Italian compilations currently on the market (many opt for more contemporary items, given the wealth of music created in Italy in the last half century or so), this one is a decent introduction and makes a fine starting point for further exploration. ~ Adam Greenberg