Greek Bouzouki Music

[Patrick Gunning]

I have been really interested in all the bouzouki/om stuff I have heard (mainly through Tim O'brien and some other irish stuff), and have played lots of similar stuff on my dad's flatiron OM, but have been curious about the original greek rebetika (i think that's how it's spelled), and greek bouzouki players (Tsitsanis?). If anybody could tell me a "must-have recording" of this stuff, or point me in the direction of someplace where I could listen to or download some I'd really appreciate it.

"If a Flatiron OM is good enough for Chris Thile, it's good enough for me"

- Patrick

[Jim Garber]

There is a thread already on rebetiko (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=5;t=13462). These folks should know.

Jim

[Bob A]

I bought the book and a handful of CDs. My current favorites are anything by Vamvarakis, and the CD "My Only Consolation", which is a compilation of the earlier, gritty rembetiko.

It seemed like it was going to be an "acquired taste", but a couple of runs through locked me in.

[jeffshuniak]

vamvarakis is very good. batis is good, and I like tsitsani myself, he is later era.. but I think his music writing abilities are good, neat changes, very creative guy.. I have " To Xapama" (with marika or marina singing along)they sound good together. #and a live album I cant spell here, its the electric evil bazouki. at its worst, almost sounds like an electric guitar, but the rough edges , poor intonation,(accordions) and bad singing give it the all the heart. very gypsy sounding this album.

[Alekos]

Jeff, what do you mean by the word "gypsy"? I have grown on rebetika music and I can guarantee you, that it don't have anything to do with gypsies.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[jeffshuniak]

cool.

[Alekos]

Thanks for teaching me, an interesting epithet.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[jeffshuniak]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif