Global Sounds on the Hill Featuring Renowned Italian Singer Maria Mazzotta
“Maria Mazzotta has a remarkably memorable voice, and a taste for musical adventure.”
– RootsWorld
Curated and hosted by iconic DC impresarios and musician Jim Thomson
Maria Mazzotta’s unique versatility is what makes her one of the most important voices of the music scene in the Apulia region of Italy and, more generally, of world music towards which she has an extremely respectful approach, backed by meticulous research into vocal characteristics of the area which highly differentiate the various cultures found within it. She moves in a natural, seamless way from the sounds of Southern Italy to the inflections of balkan music, and captivates the audience with her sincere interpretation as she carries them along while immersing them into the cultures of the songs interpreted.
She started studying the piano very young (for 7 years, then the harp (for 3 years) at the “Tito Schipa” Conservatory in Lecce, and in 1998 had her first encounter with the songs of the Salento tradition through listening to the original sources and by actively participating in the re-visitation and revival of these songs.
From 2000 to 2015, she was part of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino; a band she recorded 6 albums with, participating in some of the most important international world music festivals.
In 2020 she released Amoreamaro by Agualoc
Maria Mazzotta can boast numerous collaborations with n
About Jim Thomson: Jim Thomson is an independent DIY music producer based in Washington DC who specializes in booking, live music production, artist management, DJ events, and record releases. In Washington DC he operates an ongoing live music series called Secret Planet DC that partners with various venues, foundations, and musicians all across the city to produce unique, intimate, and meaningful performances. He also owns and operates the Washington, DC-based boutique record label Electric Cowbell Records as well as holding down and curating all vinyl DJ residencies at The Green Zone, Cana, La Shukran, Daikaya, Le Mont Royal, Eaton Hotel, the DC Record Fair, and other bars and restaurants in the city.
Jim is also a lifelong musician and promoter, playing drums as a founding member of GWAR, The Alter-Natives (SST Records), Bio Ritmo, CSC Funk Band, Time Is Fire, and he currently plays drums and percussion with Motherf*ckers JMB & Co with Geologist from Animal Collective. One of the first concerts he co-promoted was a Bad Brains show in Richmond, Virginia in 1987 followed by years of concerts including surf guitar legend Dick Dale, Knitting Factory tours, Marc Ribot, Charles Gayle, Negativland, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, and many others.
