Search - Various Artists :: Rough Guide to Music of Greece

Outstanding Variety of Greek Music

Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 04/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This whole CD is one Greek Glendi you don't want to miss!!! I have heard traditional versions of Kastrinos, Ballos, Skaros, and Pikrodafni but the upbeat jazzy versions on this CD are absolutly magnetizing and mesmerizing.



"Arabas Perna" by Anna Karabesini/Efi Sarri sounds like modern Greeks singing Smerneika without missing any of the original flavor and intent. This is followed by Kostas Nouros singing "Galata Manes" in the rembetika tradition, with a heady mixture of raw feelings tempered by bouzouki and that unforgettable "cafe aman" beat. The brass band from Florina plays "Leventikos" leaving the listener breathless from anticipating every sound and beat - compelling one to dance or hum the irregular rhythm and unusual music.



This is a classic combination of songs, sounds and rhythms played and sung by some of the finest vocalists and musicians in Greece. Don't miss the opportunity to own it ... the quality is outstanding! Erika Borsos (erikab93)"

Greek Music Defined

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 02/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Greece is located at one of the most important cultural crossroads in the world. The "Music of Greece" spans almost five thousand years and the combination of East and West influences on contemporary Greek music shows in this varied repertoire.



"Rough Guides" to the world of music delve right into the heart and soul of the country they are exploring. They are introductions to the music of a wide variety of countries. If you are looking for a multicultural journey in music, this is a good choice.



While the music in itself is intriguing, there is bonus information in the CD booklet. You can read a condensed history and a short history of each musician.



"The origins of folk dances such as kalamatianos go back to the Greek Mysteries, as do all the circular fold dances of Greek music."



If your only experience with Greek music is listening to songs while eating souvlaki in a restaurant, you might enjoy the immersion in everything from blues-like rembetika and island folk music to Greek electronica which is actually delicate and beautiful.



The music by Dimitris Sakalis sounded the most familiar to me. It is difficult to describe the music on this album because it is all so exotic and you would almost have to be an expert in each style to analyze the songs. There is a bonus data track with additional information if you are listening to this CD on your computer.



~The Rebecca Review"

GOOD GREEK CULTURAL MUSIC !

Maryssa Karellas Obregón | Massachusetts, USA and Lima, Perú | 09/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who enjoy Middle Eastern music, this album is a good pick. Most of the world doesn't think of Greece as Middle Eastern and instead see it one of the places that cradled Western civilisation as we know it. While ancient Greeks helped established certain codes still very much present in Western societies, culturally ( MUSICALLY ) Greece has always been connected to the Middle East.



For those who are listeners of Arabic music, they will hear in this CD a familiar sound, yet with a slight twist.



With beautiful traditional Greek songs like "Tha Spaso Koupes", this CD is very much representative of GREEK music.



I take my hat off to this CD which features music from the country that is the most eastern country in the West and the most western country of the East.



VIVA ELLAS !"