MICHEL BALATTI

Here the flutist Michel Balatti who comes from Genoa. Originally trained in classical music, it was after attending a concert by the Italian band Birkin Tree in 1988 that he began to seriously study Irish music. He joined this group in 2001.

In 2004 and 2005 he moved to Ennis in County Clare where he gained experience and learned the repertoire, style and musical sensibility, typical of the area. It was during this period that he collaborated with musicians such as Martin Hayes, Niamh Parsons and Tola Custy.
He has maintained a strong relationship with them, which can be seen on his first solo album The Northern Breeze, on which he is accompanied by Scottish guitarist Michael Bryan and pianist Fabio Biale. As well as a few guests: Ireland's Nuala Kennedy on flute, Caitlín Nic Gabhann on concertina and Italian harpist Elena Spotti.
In eleven titles and nearly 50 minutes, Michel Balatti explores the Irish repertoire: traditional ones of course, Coleman's March, The Price of my Pig but also compositions by Liz Carroll, The Air Tune, Paddy O'Brien, Harvest Moon or Martin Nolan, For Johnny. The inevitable Eleanor Plunkett by T. O'Carolan follows two Swedish tunes, Swedish Waltz.
Finally, Michel is not to be outdone, as we can hear four of his compositions dedicated to his family members, The Humours of Giulia and Agata.
Simple music and almost minimalist arrangements are presented here, underlining the strength of the melodies and the expressiveness of the interpretation. Although Italian, Michel Balatti can pride himself on being the equal of the best musicians of Ireland.

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