Now acclaimed Italian guitarist Eleonora Strino, who is no stranger to Ireland, particularly Sligo, presents a solo album that begins with this much-loved melody.
The Guitar Sings
Tender and profound, Lumithia revels in the road less travelled, stepping aside from the hurly-burly and noise that often deafens. You hear the slides, the touch of wood, the raw bones of the instrument as part of this measured, elegant project. Strino sings a little towards the end, but she also makes the guitar itself sing — warts and all — gently weep, and do so much more.
The title track references a novel by Strino’s mother. Other pieces connect to the work of notable women writers. ‘La Campana di Vetro’ reflects on Sylvia Plath, while ‘Virginia’ and ‘Modesta’ reference Virginia Woolf and Goliarda Sapienza.
Born in Naples, Strino grew up in an artistic family. Her early training took place at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Her discography includes the appealing 2023 album I Got Strings with Greg Cohen and Joey Baron. She followed this with her fine quartet album Matilde in 2025.
A Touch of Alfonsina
Ermanno Basso produced the 49-minute record at Artesuono Studios. At a time when many jazz albums can feel overextended, Lumithia is a reminder that brevity remains the soul of wit.
Engineer Stefano Amerio, whose recording work has long been admired for its clarity and restraint, makes a brief appearance. Before Strino’s rendition of Ariel Ramírez’s classic ‘Alfonsina y el mar’, his voice can be heard saying, “Alfonsina, take one.” It is a small touch, but a memorable one.
The song, forever associated with Mercedes Sosa’s Spanish-language interpretation, is a tragic tribute to Argentine poet and feminist Alfonsina Storni. Strino’s treatment is tender and affecting without ever becoming overly maudlin. She also sings softly and appealingly here.
I have added this gem of an album – from an artist who seems to grow in stature with every passing year – to my running list of the finest European jazz releases of 2026.
