La Petite Naples: Opération Sultan

Classically trained in Italy and subsequently based in Paris, guitarist Roberta Roman has pursued a particular interest in the relationship between Argentinian tango and Neapolitan song. This eclectic new recording features interpretations by the Roberta Roman Trio (guitar, bandoneón and cello) along with guest musicians and singers. Little Naples is the district of Saint-Jean in Marseille, a frequent stopover city for those emigrating from the US and Argentina. It was home to an exiled community targeted by the French authorities in collaboration with the Nazis in 1943. In what is now recognized as a crime against humanity, 1,500 buildings were razed and 20,000 inhabitants expelled, many to Nazi concentration camps. This tremendously atmospheric and moving musical tribute to the tragic Second World War events known as Operation Sultan features contemporary rappers as well as musicians versed in tango, French chanson and canzone napoletana. Tango is the prevailing musical flavour, even on the two tracks featuring rappers Akhenaton and Lucariello. Particularly appealing is a version of the Dalida hit song ‘Bambino’ (alternately known as ‘Guaglione’) sung by Petra Magoni and emblematic of Saint-Jean's ill-fated adolescents.