Rebetiki Istoria 1925-1955, Vol 1-6 (EMI)
The series that started it all: this was the first collection of reissues
of classic rembetika and smyrneika. A good selection of songs, including
some not found in other compilations. The sound quality is alright, not
great - still lots of pops and scratches. Also, in some cases editing is
poor: songs begin or end abruptly. No liner notes.
Giorgos Dalaras: 50 Chronia Rembetiki Tragoudia (Minos Records)
Dalaras, himself the son of the popular rembetika singer Loukas Daralas (no
typo there - Yiorgos changed his name), has been responsible in part for the
reemergence of the rembetiko song. This album contains 19 songs, dating
from 1918 to 1964. Most of the songs are played in the "Pireaotiko
kompania" style - a battery of bouzoukis. If you don't want to
listen to the older recordings with the pops and scratches, or would like to
start with something that might be a bit more accessible, then this is the
album for you. Comes with liner notes in Greek. Titles only
translated into English.
Rembetika Tis Katochis (Minos Records)
Another fine release by Dalaras: songs written during or related to the
Occupation of Greece by Germany during WWII, and the civil war that
followed. Dalaras sings songs by Genitsaris, Tsitsanis, Vamvakaris,
Mosxona. A beautiful piece of work. Comes with a large booklet
including historical notes, photos, newspaper clippings, and lyrics, all in
Greek.
Glykeria: Epitichies (Lyra CD0005)
Glykeria: Smyrneika (Lyra CD0025)
Glykeria, today one of Greece's popular performers, has a voice that is
somewhat reminiscent of Marika Papagika. These two albums are full
of well-known rembetika and smyrneika. Glykeria's enthusiasm is
contagious: you can't help but enjoy yourself when hearing her sing.
Istanbul 1925 (Traditional Crossroads)
Just what it says. Music from Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) recorded
in the mid 1920's, vocal and instrumental alike. A nice musical
reminder that Greece and Turkey do have common roots that shouldn't be
ignored or forgotten.
Masters of Turkish Music Vols. 1-2 (Rounder Records)
An anthology of recordings of Ottoman/Turkish music from the early 1900's
through mid-century. Crystal clear recordings with something for
everyone: taxim, gazel, folk and classical. Excellent liner notes,
(including some lyrics) accompany Volume 2; unfortunately Volume 1's notes
are a bit brief.
Udi Hrant (Traditional Crossroads)
Are you into taximia? If so, listen to one of the great masters of
improvisation. Udi Hrant was one of the best - an Armenian oud player
born near Constantinople/Istanbul in 1901. Traditional Crossroads has
released three CD's of his works. *Istanbul 1925* also includes a few
tracks of Udi Hrant's artistry.
Armenians on 8th Avenue (Traditional Crossroads)
A fabulous collection of re-mastered 78 recordings made by performers who
played in the cabarets of New York's 8th Avenue, a haven for refugees of
Anatolia as well as American musicians lured by the sound of Anatolian
music. Marko Melkon, Kanuni Garbis Bakirgian, Sugar Mary Vartanian and
more. As usual, Harold Hagopian has done an excellent job in producing
this album. Liner notes include lyrics in Turkish and English, as well as
detailed bios of singers. You don't want to miss the tsiftetelli
played on klarino by John Pappas!
Early Cante Flamenco (Arhoolie)
Flamenco on a rembetika site? Not a stretch of the imagination at
all. Like rembetika, the flamenco of the early 20th century was a balance
of song, music and dance; its subject matter was love, death, and persecution -
the depths of emotion. The flamenco of southern Spain is said to have
been influenced by Byzantine liturgical musics, as well as the traditions of
the Middle East. And as can be heard in the songs on this release, the
cante flamenco (in particular the cante jondo or "deep singing") is
surprisingly similar to the amanedhes of Asia Minor. *Early Cante
Flamenco* features re-issues of songs from the 1930's, by artists such as
Tomas Pavon, Manolo Caracol and La Nina de los Peines. Gripping music.
Clann An Drumma: Tried and True (self-produced)
Yes, another divergence, but definitely worth a listen! Clann An Drumma (Children of the Drum) plays traditional music of Scotland passed down by their ancestors, as well as their own compositions. They present an inspiring blend of pulsing rhythm, pipes and engrossing vocals. Their CD Tried and True is a feast for the soul. These folks really know how to pipe, drum, and sing! Their Sgt. Mackenzie is featured in the movie, We Were Soldiers.
A Note
I first posted this website in early 1996. In the past ten years, rembetika has exploded onto the Greek music scene. CDs and collections abound - too many to list here - so I will keep my little list above: an homage to the first brave souls who began producing this music again.