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12" Vinyl LP
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Deluxe vinyl version shirnkwrapped with 12" x 12" insert. Strictly limited edition pressing.
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Includes unlimited streaming of Janara
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Optimo Music presents “Janara” the new 8 track album from Italy’s José Manuel. We always have our ears open for music that is unique, powerful and that can conjure up a ritualistic atmosphere, and this meistrerwerk does all that, and then some. We knew we had to release it after the first listen.
We'll let José tell you about it....
This album is a result of the necessity of exploring and opening my mind to new musical horizons, by testing the main traditional instrument of the Italian region Campania, whose name is “Tammorra”. It is a big drum, which must not be confused with the typical tambourine, made from a wrap of wood shaped in a circle and covered with dried skin (almost always goatskin or sheepskin). This instrument was used during playful events, especially during rituals and ceremonies, such as the frequent devotional pilgrimages in honour of the Virgin Mary. By using this instrument, the sound, the rite and the magic could take possession of the mind and the body creating a perfect union. Also, the dancers, as if they were bitten by a tarantula and possessed by a strange evil, launched themselves to an uncontrolled dance by moving every part of their body.
In addition to the Tammorra, I also inserted some texts, which have been written by some Neapolitan friends and interpreted with Neapolitans voices, in honour of the “JANARA”. The Janara represents a popular belief of the Southern Italian regions, particularly of the Benevento area. The Janara is one of the many types of witches represented by folktales belonging to the rural tradition.
The Janara was expert in medical herbs, which were also be used for her magical practices, such as the manufacturing of ointment. The ointment gave her the power to become incorporeal with the same nature as the wind. According to the tradition, in order to snatch the Janara it was necessary to grab her by the hair. It was also said that if anyone was able to capture the Janara during her incorporeal moment then Janara herself would offer protection to them and their family for seven generations, in exchange for her freedom.
With this work I hope that the listener might get carried away by the spirit of this pagan and popular legend that can be still be considered as current. As a matter of fact, the folk tales speak of a probable comeback of the Janara, who after being burned at the stake seems to be thirsting for revenge for the evil suffered.
As others have said, this recalls the first hour of Optimo's Sunday nights in Glasgow, which I tried to never miss. It was always possible to enjoy Optimo if you turned up late... but being there for the first hour guaranteed a better night. extra-noir
Tafi Atome is a wonderful place with amazingly generous, talented people. This project will really make a difference in the village, plus you get to hear the superb musical ability of the Tafi TCI Crew! Mark motorrad
Great release! It took a few listens, partly because the sound is so dense and full-on, but once you find yourself walking around singing "feel the tension", you know it's got under your skin. Giant tune... Doctor Zap
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