I VIAGGIATORI and the Silent Film "Dall Italia All Australia."...
Hailing from Melbourne and Wollongong , I Viaggiatori play lively , soulful Italian folk , australian and some greek migration music that accompanies the enchanting 1924 silent film "Dall italia All Australia".The film was re-discovered in the vaults of the Italian Cinematic Archives in Milan by Italo-australian historian and journalist Tony De Bolfo as he was researching the migration journey of his grandfather and uncle from Italy to Australia for his book" In Search Of Kings."

" Dall’Italia all ’Australia" (" From Italy to Australia" ) is the cinematographic record of the voyage of the SS Regina d’Italia ( Queen of Italy ). In September 1924, this vessel brought 504 migrants from southern Europe to the South Seas. The passengers included some 130 Hellenes, mostly from Kythera, Castellorizo and Cyprus as well as italian, Slavic, jewish and indian immigrants.

Said to be the earliest known footage of such a journey in the world,the rare documentary film was shot by Angelo Drovetti at the bequest of the Italian government. After the 3 month journey of  filming the boats journey to Australia, the film maker took the film back to Italy.It was never to  be seen in Australia until  recently when it was re-discovered by De Bolfo.He has been instrumental in helping the film to come back to life in Australia 8 decades later by inviting Kavisha Mazzella and fellow musicians to play live music to accompany the film.

As well as being an ARIA award winning singer- songwriter of her own material and being a founding member of Fremantle band " Rich'n Famous",Mazzella has been collecting Italian Folk songs remembered by italian immigrants since the late 80's and has formed a choir in Melbourne  "La Voce Della Luna"( the voice of the Moon) to keep the old songs alive .She first came to national attention in Franco Di Chiera's 1992 ABC documentary about the local Fremantle italian womens choir " The Joys of The Women ".She had been working in Melbourne with musician and composer Irine Vela who on bazouki ,mandolin and guitar is known for leading the ARIA award winning greek band The haBiBis .

The other two musicians come from Wollongong.The first being accordionist Dave De Santi who is also loves Italian folk music and tune collecting.He is known for his work in the Italian community band Zumpa,Aussie bushband Wongawilli and  and is festival director of the Illawarra Folk Festival and finally there is clarinettist and saxophonist Mark Holder- Keeping who  plays with many bands including Zumpa,busks with his saxophone in Wollongong Mall as well as being a music teacher.

Together they make up I Viaggiatori,a formidable group of musicians who have a deep love and respect for folk roots tradition as well as creating their own strands of new music.Their interpretation of Italian and Greek folk music from the 1400's to present day is played on accordian, clarinet, bouzouki, mandolin, tambourines,guitar ,cahon and voice which combine to create a charming old world feel.

"We have our parents and grandparents to thank for instilling in us the love of this amazing music. Although we weren't born in Greece and Italy , through them , though not conciously , we somehow became saturated with the melodies and rhythms of  the Mediterranian which has even crept into our original music .The link between Italy and Greece is a close one. During the film we play but a small selection of the myriad of styles that come from such a  fertile musical culture . And thanks to Tony,the film has given us a good excuse to bask in the exquisite flavours of this traditional and atmospheric sound ! It's like an excellent meal...very satisfying for the body, soul AND ears!"said Kavisha.

For more information on the above artists and to hear some of their music,
check out these websites

www.myspace.com/viaggiatori
www.myspace.com/irinevelaandthehabibis
www.myspace.com/kavishamazzellamusic
www.myspace.com/zumpafolk
(click on the venue name for a map with route description)