Amaraterra: Traditional Songs and Dances from Salento and Southern Italy

Pizzica is the folk dance of the Salento region, in the deep end of the South-East of Italy. A crossroad of civilisations, Salento has preserved its ancient Greek-Roman folk roots: the Dionysian festivals and the mythological poisonous bite of the tarantula induce a irresistible urge to dance oneself into a trance-like state at the relentless pace of the traditional tamburello frame drum. Formed in London in 2011 by a small group of passionate Salentini, Amaraterra has evolved into a multinational ensemble influenced by the multicultural London scene without losing its
traditional southern Italian roots. There’s first studio record, the EP “Tradizioni” in 2016, has been featured in fRoots with an enthusiastic review, a great reception at WOMAD UK 2016 and numerous passes on relevant radio stations and podcasts.

In 2021, the band released its first fully-fledged studio album, “Malvasia.” In this work, the band has developed its own original style by enriching the traditional sound with the possibilities of studio recording. The 12-track album presents a comprehensive anthology of traditional ballads and tradition-inspired original works. With the end of the lockdown, Amaraterra has restarted to play monthly multi-venue residencies throughout London, with a rejuvenated and enthusiastic fan base.

Amaraterra’s songs speak of love, happiness, longing and passion in a simple, unsophisticated way that breaks through language and cultural barriers. The energetic and joyful music invites the audience into dance and togetherness.

“This is rough-edged pizzica/tarantella from the Salento area of south Italy, and every beat of the music drips with excitement and commitment. If they were Irish, they would be nearer to Shane MacGowan than Len Graham”-
Vic Smith, fRoots