image courtesy of Dog Ranch Music PR

Single Review of Michela Musolino: “Lina Lina”

Sicilian-American Singer Michela Musolino, along with Sicily Folk Orchestra, a “concept band” of Sicilian folk artists I Beddi, released this recording of an ancient Mediterranean folk song. “Lina Lina” is an ancient chant tuna fisherman sung while hauling in their nets during the spring tuna slaughter, called the mattanza.

Of course, I’m not familiar with Sicilian folk music (except for the tiny bit I’ve just learned today), but the accordion that provides the rhythm for the full 3 minutes and 15 seconds is joyful and will get you bouncing and swaying in your seat. Musolino’s voice is tuneful and piercing, as she seems to specialize in traditional music. The supporting band provides excellent harmonies and echoing vocals. I know I don’t often write about non-English-language traditional-based folk music, but I wanted to share this song because it’s fun and catchy. I’ve heard enough traditional folk music from around the world to know this performance is exceptional.

If you’re a fan of traditional European folk-inspired music, this is a well-performed and produced song from top-flight musicians that’ll likely appeal to you. I’m also enough of a fan of mainstream pop-rock and surrounding music style to know when something from outside that mainstream might be an appeal to fans of mainstream music. If you’re a pop/rock/English-language mainstream folk music fan and want to add something different to your playlist for variety, this recording of “Lina Lina” is likely to be a great fit for you, too.