Milagro Acustico: Poeti Arabi di Sicilia

MILAGRO ACUSTICO Poeti Arabi di Sicilia Compagnia Nuove Indye 18367

In their previous work, Italy's Milagro Acustico have offered a more generalized Mediterranean sound. This time, however, the focus is much sharper, concentrating (as the title says) on the works of Sicilian Arab poets from 827-1091 A.D. Only speakers of Arabic or Italian will know how good the lyrics are, but they're beautifully framed in acoustic arrangements that make use of plenty of voices, along with horns, flutes, guitar, percussion, and the oud-like baglama. Musically the band sets out its stall on the opener, "Stannu Arridannu," where everything works together in a culture blend rather than a clash. It's a mix that feels perfectly natural, informed by the short distance between North Africa and Sicily, and continues throughout the disc, even on the instrumental "Alcantara." Vocals--both sung and recited--become another instrument in the arsenal, weaving gorgeous, sinuous lines like the saxophone. More than anything, it's a triumph of arrangement and vision, a place where Europe and North Africa come together--one of many, really--and a glimpse into history, when the flower of Islam was at its peak, in both the arts and the sciences. Interestingly, many of the names of the poets appear lost in time, but that doesn't diminish the beauty of the sound of their poetry. It inspires--and certainly inspired Bob Salmieri, the group's leader, who put music to these words. History comes alive again.

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