Cordas et Cannas

Singing in their native Sardinian language, Cordas et Cannas bring musical expression to the poetic lyrics of Sardinia's great songwriters. Indigenous Sardinian instruments including the piccolo-like sulitto, the jaw harp trunfa, and the polyphonic reed-instrument laundeddas provide a link to the region's musical past while a variety of non-Sardinians instruments, including flute, organ, harmonica, violin, bass, and drums, inject a global influence into Cordas et Cannas' unique sound. Primarily a six-piece ensemble, Cordas et Cannas is often expanded with the addition of trombone player Paolo Fresu, guitarists Raffaele Musio and Antonio Pitzoi, harmonica player Antonello Salis, and flautist Michael Heupel. The group took its first steps toward an international following when it performed at the Womad Festival, in Reading, England, in 1997. ~ Craig Harris