The mandolin

[Eugene]

A little more Gibson F-5 (near the beginning) than I expect in discussing the pre-F-5 traditional classical music of southern Italy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pom5IVhua8w&NR=1

[Eugene]

"Would you play something for me?" prompts some riffing on La Folia, a chord progression usually associated with Spain and guitar-like things all the way back into the 1500s (although Denis did write variations on it).

[brunello97]

Thanks for the link, Eug. #Classical wonk arcana aside, a fairly grim essence of Italy (and the mandolin) quite heavy on the same hoary imagery. #Though I did appreciate the association between mandolin players and i barbieri. #(An image of which Sheri Mignano nails with "mandolins, like salami".) #Sig. LaBarbera seems quite accomplished and I look forward to seeing his compilation. #(No sign of it yet at Mel Bay.) Hopefully it goes beyond the usual chestnuts and broadens the scope of available music from this area. #

Maybe there is reason to hope, I noticed that Mel has a handbook on playing the traditional southern Italian tambourine. #My wife snatched the cc right out of my hand as I was about to order it. #Such a defensive sensibility won't last long. #I still have some nice frame drums around from days of yore. # Tarantella time continues.

Mick

[Martin Jonas]

The Mel Bay book may be interesting, but that Youtube clip is so cheesy they should melt it over a Pizza Margarita. #They've also gone for one single source of vintage photos: the Cafe's postcard section. #At least they've credited the Cafe, so I would hope they've got Scott's permission.

But at least I've stumbled across another clip through the Youtube "related" tab: Mario de Pietro in 1930.

Martin

[trebleclef528]

I definately prefer Mario de Pietro!... the choice wasn't difficult.