Grilli

The Corsican group L’Alba not only dig deep into the traditions of their island but also think of them as living and open to change. This is evident here on their new album, built around interpretations of an original text called ‘I Grilli’ (Crickets), whose lines are incorporated into many of the tracks, and whose reading can be heard on ‘I Gridda di Luddu’. The overall effect is of a musical journey around Corsica, bringing in numerous traditions and histories. These include the rhythmic songs of ‘Grilli’, ‘A Petra di Ghjacintu’ and ‘Un Chjarasgiu’, as well as the polyphonic singing of ‘Miserere’, ‘Terzini Guagnesi’ and the eponymous ‘Paghjella’ which are excellent examples of one of the island’s best-known genres. Occasionally, the traditions are more mediated, as with the use of electric bass on ‘E Pìu Belle Matine’, but are still effective. Interestingly, they also bring to the fore what they term ‘Corsican cabaret song’, which was popular before the separatist movements of the 1970s sought to (re)establish a more ‘Corsican’ cultural tradition. The influences of this can be heard in the attractive chansons, ‘Di Carne è d’Osse’, ‘Ombrilume’ and ‘Torna una Volta’. And I loved the final track of the pure sounds of crickets, a lovely way to end.