Various Artists - Women of Rembetika 1908-1947 : 4 x CDs (due to weight, this price for the USA only. Outside of the USA, the price will be adjusted as needed) (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-JSP 77152
“As part of our much-acclaimed series of that vigorous Greek music, Rembetika, comes this collection of women performers - no less vital and no less honest. If a music can come simultaneously from the heart and from the streets, this is it. Included are performers like Marika Papagika, Rita Abadzi and Roza Eskenazi who achieved fame beyond Greece's borders (Papagika recorded in New York). Perhaps of greater interest are lesser known singers like Kyria Pipina and Chrysa Thiveou who merit the exposure they are given here. The project was overseen by expert and enthusiast Charles Howard who also supplies transcriptions. As you'll discover, no concessions are made for gender. All human life is Rembetika's subject matter.”
“If you haven't heard Marika Papagika singing and her husband playing the Cembalo you are in for a treat. Ottoman scales and rhythms make this music fascinating and add to the exotic feel. Embellishments in the vocals are reminiscent of Southern Asian singing and bring an emotional depth to the songs.
A big set of four CD's tracing the women voices of Rembetica from the Ionian coast of Turkey through Istanbul to New York City as conflict and opportunity scattered the music across the Bosphorus to Greece and on the America. Lyrics are provided in English to provide context to each song. A fascinating genre of folk music and song that flourished in the bars, hookah dens and streets of Smyrna and Aegean peninsula.” - Frank W Scott, Jr
“Another excellent release in JSP's Rembetika series. Many of the great names are here (Roza Eskenazi and Rita Abadzi are very well reprsented) but for me hearing so many unknown or at least unheralded singers who cut just a few sides makes the whole thing especially interesting. Don't expect high fidelity though. These are historic recordings (the oldest dates from 1908) and some are still very crackly in spite of the excellent restoration work that has been done to render them istenable. If you like the Greek blues, this is an essential purchase.” - R.S Johnson