Years of research and obsession by the American producer Christopher King have resulted in this first collection of recordings by the legendary and masterful Greek folk violinist Alexis Zoumbas. Very few pre-war musicians have tapped deeper into the human soul than Zoumbas. These recordings present his most profoundly hypnotic and unearthly pieces.
My grave has grown over with grass, Come see that you tend to it. Make sure you cry bitter tears, And maybe that will bring me back. (yahsas Alexis Zoumbas) ~Amalia Bakas, “To Mina Mou Hortariase”
What is explored in this choice, is how music informs humanity, how early melodic expressions were our tools for living, and how this most profound harmonious language mediated the perceived conflict between the spiritual and the corporeal.
Recordings from 1926-1928, produced by Christopher King, Angry Mom Records, NYC:
01 Epirotiko Mirologi (Lament From Epirus)
02 Gaitanaki (Maypole Dance)
03 Tsamiko Makedonias (Macedonian Dance)
04 Samantakas (Osman Taka)
05 Frasia
06 Shizo Rizo Mor Panagia (Pulling Apart The Lemon)
07 Kleftes (Tsamikos) (Bandit’s Dance)
08 Mpil Mpil (Bil Bil: The Nightingale’s Cry)
09 Alimbeis (Chief Ali)
10 Papadopoula (Priest’s Daughter)
11 Syrtos Sta Dyo (Syrtos Two Step Dance)
12 Tzamara Arvanitiko (Albanian Shepherd’s Tune)
