Customer Reviews

Rough Guide to Music of Greece

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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)

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

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 !

Greek music has a very Turkish or middle eastern sound, as is shown here, but is also very unique. There are also eastern European and Balkan influences. The Rough Guide puts together an amazing variety of music, all of the selections outstanding (with the exception of Pikrodafni, track three, which is jazz/funk or something). Galata Manes is an old recording with an intruiging melody, several tracks sound like gypsy music, several definitely middle eastern, and the last track (track twenty one - a generous number of tracks) is Sephardic or medieval, or ancient Greek, consisting of a voice and sparse oud accompaniment. Many songs have the signature Greek sound, with the bazouki. All the music is very strong and rich, and is recomended for anyone, especially if you like Balkan, gypsy or Middle Eastern music.

I can't say enough about this amazing CD. It's a compilation of beautiful music from Greece that will have you humming and singing along. I didn't think I could find such a melodious compilation of music from one country in one CD. The artists are obviously master's of their craft. I'm thankful for NPR's book on World Music that recommended this CD.

Quite a varied and beautiful arrangment representative of Greek music. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

I bought this product out of curiosity and interest in Greek music, language and culture. I understand that it is a good reflection of all of the above, but the selection wasn't as infectious as I had hoped. The opening numbers are gorgeous with a sort of Mediterranean pathos, but over all it did not grasp me. The Rough Guide series still holds my respect and admiration especially for their authenticity. I especially loved the Guide to the Music of Venezuela.