Fiamma Fumana: Onda

Sing Out! The Folk Song Magazine, Wntr, 2007 by Ken Roseman

FIAMMA FUMANA Onda Omnium 2043

Italian quartet Fiamma Fumana is one of the most successful acts at blending traditional/ethnic sounds with 21st century music technology. Their arrangements are a well balanced mix of vocals, conventional instruments (accordion, bagpipes, guitar, piano, bodhran) and an electronically generated rhythm section which creates the "beats." One reason why Fiamma Fumana's particular brand of electronic/roots fusion is so successful is that they make an effort to vary the beats (as would a good drummer working with a conventional drum kit)--each piece has its own rhythm. The vocals and other instruments are not drowned out by loud and unchanging thumping.

This new CD, Fiamma Fumana's third, continues on the path of its predecessors. Stylistically there are few changes, although the new lead singer, Lisa Kant, reveals a dynamic presence, even in a recording.

What few surprises there are come from the guests who participated in this project. For example, the women's choir Coro delle Mondine di Novi adds beautiful backing harmonies to two of the traditional songs included here: "Angiolina" and "Mariuleina." Two rappers: Jovanatti (Italy) and MC Navigator (London/Jamaica) add their spoken recitations to "Prendi L'Onda." UK ethnic/electronic fusionists Transglobal Underground created a "remix" version of "Immagina" which makes the "beats" more prominent in the track's overall sound.

Those with compatible computer software should check out the additional material on this enhanced CD, which has the "Prendi L'Onda" video and lyrics in English and Italian.

Fiamma Fumana dedicated Onda to the memory of the late Scottish musician/DJ Martyn Bennett, who was a major inspiration for them.