Notes & Personnel Info |  | Performers include: Roza Eskenazi, Marika Papagika, Rita Abatzi, Andonios "Dalgas" Dhiamandidhis, Grigoris Askis, Efstratios Payioumidzis, Kostas Roukounas, Yiorgos Katsaros, Yiannis Papaioannou, Stella Haskil, Marika Ninou, Manolis Dimitrianakis & Dimitris Kontogiannis, Glikeria, Theodosia Stinga, Agathonas Iakovidis, Mario & Nena Venetsanou. | | Liner Note Author: Marc Dubin. | | Reb?tika is probably the best known of the Greek folk music forms, the sound of the downtrodden and the underdogs (hence its comparisons to American blues, although musically there are no similarities). From its initial emergence in the early 19th century, it remained a force in the country until the 1950s, and was revived again in the 1970s, and continues to enjoy prestige. This compilation focuses heavily on the genre's leading lights from the first-half of the 20th century, making for a fascinating historical document that's both entertaining and educational. There's plenty of arresting material, such as Yiorgos Katsaros' "Mes' Tou Manthou Ton Teke," or Marika Papagika's "Galata Manes." While there are one or two names from the revival, such as Mario (who is actually a woman) the attention remains on the names from the past, and is all the better for it -- it's easy to obtain more recent tracks. The well-annotated booklet serves as a primer in reb?tika and its leading artists, explaining the music's wide roots. An excellent volume, and one that rewards many plays. ~ Chris Nickson |
Producer: Marc Dubin (Compilation); Phil Stanton (Compilation) |
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