I was borne in Malta, and from a very young age, my brothers and I were introduced to Maltese Folklore Music by my Dad, Joseph Pulo who was a true legend of the art. A guitarist with unequalled love for the instrument. I still remember one of his many sayings "Many can play better than me, but none can love it more!" That was my father..... and it was so very very true. During our early years, I guess from the age of about 7, Dad started to teach us what he could, as soon as myself and my brothers could accompany him, we became a team, a musical team. On the weekends playing at some gathering at someones place. This was in the sixtees. Many, had just migrated to Australia. These musical sessions bonded us together as one large family, "Prejem" and "Ghana" (Music and Singing) it felt like being in a church. Silence, Concentration and Respect were the rules of the night, although at times in the passion of the moment, this wonderful Maltese spirit, got out of hand a little, but all would be forgiven and forgotten by the end of the day. just like the weather, those clouds soon moved on..... It was only passion. Generally there could be one or two singers (Ghaneja), three or four guitarists including one lead guitar (prim) playing melodic lines, while the others did their job creating ?rhythm?. These musicians were not trained, just like my father all self taught, picking up what they could from each other. At times the guitars were hard to play not like the refined instruments we have today, however, they did the best with what they had. Things were created on the spot, like a debate in rhyme set to music, each singer spontaniously responding to whatever the singer before him would dish up. The guitarists dancing around the board, limited only by the harmonic structure. Singers and musicians creating rivers of music and song, an achievement that I respect to this very day. Now, Chaconne is not Folklore, it was written by myself to explore possibilities for guitarists, so that in the future these ideas could be performed. Four guitars with four jobs to do. Lead guitar, Counter lead, Bass and Rhythm with room to improvise in each area. I guess what I am trying to say is, "a way that we can continue the art of traditional folklore in our space and time", anyway sit back and enjoy, myself, Vince Pulo and four of my very good friends; Ernie Muscat, Tony Chircop, Paul Preston and the sound painter Robert Van Den Enden "Zazz - Big Brother" Zazz, Big Brother of Chicku, a Loving brother, someone Chicku always looked up to, Felt good and secure around him, always listened to what he had to say, the father figure in Chicku's life. Zazz emigrated to Australia, now drives a truck. Chicku became a farmer and pushes a mean wheelbarrow in Buggiba (Malta) They hope to meet next year. "Minore" (Fatt) Based on the Minore theme in Maltest Folklore, this is just an instrumental version. When "Ill Fatt" is sung, they are factual stories that really happened. Heart wrenching stuff. When in the introduction I said "like being in the church", thats how it was. Listen, do not make a sound, just focus and reflect. "Roundabouts" Haven't been to Malta for a while, but when I was there, Those Roundabouts drove me crazy, because everyone was driving like crazy. How in Gods name do a get out of this, and get to where i need to. When you do make it, it is such a relief and achievement. They tell me things have changed, now in a strange way I miss them! We are never happy! "Chagh Lagh Wenz" Wenz, the Village character. The story teller. The Racketeer. The bright spot on the village canvas. Loved by all! But there is a dark and sad site behind his laugh, only shared with himself, no-one else. Yes he drank a little, a little too much sometimes, but Jeez could he make you forget your problems. Wenz, miss your smile and your crazy hairdo! "Sit Still!" Written for "Me", "Me"! Sometimes while recording Rob does many takes, because I move to much, We get squeeks, shuffles, creeks, noughty noise. They did try to tie me down a couple of times, but I kept moving, we bolted the chair to the floor, and then the singing started. Anyone that has heard me sing knows, that's BAD. "Red Wine's just fine" So I spend a couple of sessions with Wenzu, I will never forget him, bless you Wenz! "A Sad Thought" Behind a laugh or smile, there is sometimes the opposite, hidden away from view. That's OK, that's what makes us what we are. At times the sun shines, at times it is hidden by clouds, at times it rains..... And the garden is happy, so says Wenzu. "Ule, Ule" - aka "What's This Ting Called?" In the end, nothing matters as long as nothing or no-one is hurt! they're just games to pass away the time. As long as we can see the beauty in things it proves that there is beauty in us all. Wenzu......... . . . . . the street philosopher.