The name Almamegretta has it roots in an ancient dialect that represents the transition of Latin to modern colloquial Italian speech. It means “Anima migrante”, what can be translated with “migrant soul” or “wandering soul”. The band was founded in 1991 by Gennaro “GennaroT” Tesone, Raiz and Gianni in Neapel; one year later, Paolo Polcari and Tonino joined them.
In 1993, Stefano “D.RaD” Facchielli encountered Almamegretta during the production stage of their first studio album, and contributed his skills as soundman and dub-maker. The album produced by Ben Young was awarded the “Targa Tenco” as best debut album in 1994, and the song “Sole” was declared the track in greatest demand by 105 Network.
Thanks to Ben Young, they entered a collaboration with the band “Massive Attack” in 1995, who offered Almamegretta a remix of their track “Karmacoma”, a project that resulted in the Karmacoma EP The Napoli Trip. Another cooperation of Ben Young and the British Dance Formation “Leftfield” lead to the production of the album Rhythm & Stealth.
Further international collaborations arose with artists such as Pino Daniele, Bill Laswell, Count Dubulah of Trans Global Underground, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Horace Andy, Gaudi, Dennis Bovell and others.
As remixer and producer, Paolo Baldini participated in many of these projects, earning his outstanding international reputation as DUB Master over and over again. In the resurgent “Serious Classics” series, ECHO BEACH is proud to release “IN SPIRITUS DUB” – a one-of-a-kind DUB creation for relaxation, reflection and contemplation !
www.echobeach.de
