The group began as an informal trio consisting of Club d’Elf bassist Mike Rivard and electric mandolinist Matt Glover. Roberto Cassan, accordionist, was also involved in the band. They wanted to share their mutual love of folk music, particularly the styles that were born from the gypsy diaspora. The trio began gigging around Boston/Cambridge occasionally when their schedules allowed. In the end, they became a quartet with Fabio Pirozzolo as percussionist and singer, and Grand Fatilla was born. Over the course of many sweaty nights at various venues, including packed-houses at Regattabar, the trio has developed a large following. They are known for their raucous enthusiasm as well as their diverse ethnic makeup. People from different cultures recognize music and assume that at least one member must be from the same country. This is because the music is authentic. The group moves like an iPod, jumping from Argentine Tangos and Italian Tarantellas to Turkish sacred Sufi songs, Irish reels, Moroccan trance, Bulgarian dance music, all with an emphasis in improvisational group interplay, and playful spontaneity. Grand Fatilla’s repertoire acknowledges and homages the notion that there is truly One World and that music from different cultures enriches all of us. Grand Fatilla shows are a gathering of ex-pats from all over the world, including those from Italy, Brazil, Bulgaria, and Brazil. They rub shoulders with bohemian poets, tribal belly dancers, and students who all celebrate music that transcends borders. Each member of the group brings their own flavor and expertise to the collective sound. Pirozzolo and Cassan both come from Italy, where they have been immersed in folk music. They also have extensive knowledge of South American, Brazilian, Tango and Balkan musics. Glover arrived in Boston from Newfoundland, where he was influenced by Celtic music and fiddle music. He also studied the South Indian mandolinist U. Srinivas. Rivard has a passion to North African music, particularly Moroccan trance music. He studied the 3-stringed, bass-lute sintir. from http://www.grandfatilla.com
