Feb 01, 2026
RAÜL REFREE, MARIA MAZZOTTA
Italy / Spain
MUSICAL TRADITION, LITERARY REFERENCES AND COLLECTIVE CATHARSIS
The rhythm of the tarantella, a kind of danced exorcism, reimagined in a contemporary tone by that tireless sound explorer Raül Refree, with the voice of Maria Mazzotta, a musical icon from the Pouilles region. Legend has it that peasants in the south of Italy often suffered tarantula bites that caused them serious spiritual afflictions. The antidote was reputedly found in the pizzica taranta, a local musical rhythm, which cast a trance over the afflicted. Raül Refree and Maria Mazzotta paint a musical picture of Italian working class life at the turn of the century (religious songs, work songs, lullabies), moving from the dark and downtrodden towards the physical release and sense of community we so long for today.
Raül Refree Guitar and keyboard, Maria Mazzotta Vocal
Raül Refree Guitar and keyboard
Maria Mazzotta Vocals