"Way down at the foot of Italy, they have traditional music that sounds like it comes from a different planet ... [Salento's] Anna Cinzia (...) has been researching and learning from older local singers, musicians, dancers and communities, immersing herself in deep, and making sure that the traditions carry on at the grass roots. Anna Cinzia plays tamburello (tambourine), melodeon - though not on the new CD where Annamaria Bagorda takes that role - dances and sings. And what a singer! The antithesis of those wispy "little girl" voices that some people whinge about, she goes out there to the extremes without a safety net, open-throated, daring, emotional, joyful, free and uninhibited, completely inhabiting her chosen tradition. A mixture of traditional and original songs, this is full of energy and occasional tenderness, surrounded by an accomplished small band (accordeon, percussion, acoustic guitar, double bass, harmonica, fiddle and occasional brass) who manage thatdifficultjob of playing appropriately to the songs, the tradition and her spirit, whilst hinting at some background jazz skills ... This is one fabulous album that ought to establish her as a major voice in European folk, world music, or whatever you want to call it".
