A Parulluccia

Alba emerged from the rebirth of Corsican music at the end of the 20th century, honouring the distinctive polyphony of the island's music. But they’ve always looked further beyond, and the six core musicians have added Indian harmonium, clarinet, oud and saz (lutes) and electric bass to the sound, surrounding their vocals with timbres from beyond the Mediterranean and collaborating with a variety of musicians.

It's poignant hearing the intricate work of Malagasy accordionist Régis Gizavo, who died last summer while touring with Alba on this album. The incandescent horizon of ‘Orizonte Rossu’ layers guitar, fretless bass and keening accordion, while a melancholy vocal offers twilight memories and eternal renewal. There's a hint of the Maghreb about the hypnotic bass and harmonies of ‘Sempre Caru’ while on ‘Tandu Qui’, the soft, high tenor of Ghjuvanfrancescu Mattei ponders why so many forget to be Corsican in the spirit of the old times. There's a sudden switch of acoustic for a live performance of traditional paghjella, in which unaccompanied voices duel athletically: it's pure pulifunie. Italian singer Enza Pagliara adds her distinctive timbre, and ‘Lampidusa’ welcomes shattered immigrants to Europe with a Greek dance vibe. As an introduction to Alba's touching lyricism and tight arrangements, A Parulluccia could hardly be bettered; it features a global outlook with a Corsican heart and soul.