The group is called Newpoli, and performs Southern Italian folk music. It's made up of Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory alumni, and performs in the area often. Here's their bio from their website:
Newpoli "performs Southern Italian Folk Music, mainly from the regions of Campania and Puglia, integrating a wide variety of styles such as Tarantella-Pizzica, Tammuriata, Villanella and the Neapolitan Canzone, encompassing music from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Because Italian Folk music, with the exception of a small number of Neapolitan songs, has not received its deserved attention and recognition, neither in Italy nor abroad, Newpoli, guided by their passion for playing and researching these seldom played traditional styles, introduces to the audience, often for the first time, the joy and beauty of this music while recounting the ancient stories and rituals described in the lyrics."
The group played a variety of songs, including some Tarantella, which made me think back to my childhood and when I learned a few on the piano. Makes me think about getting back into the piano...
I found a video from a past Newpoli performance of one of the songs that caught my ear:
Mamma la Rondinella
There were about 11 members of the group, including special guests John La Barbera and Pasquale Iocola. There were mandolins, recorders, an accordion, Italian tambourines, a violin, acoustic bass, classical guitar... a beautiful mix to bring Southern Italy to Boston. Next time they're in town, and you're in the mood for a little something different musically, check them out (and tell Dan Meyers that Joanna and Dan sent you!) !
