The Bottom Line
Not for everyone, but a fascinating listen for those interested in the music of Greek festivals and the real sounds of Greece.
Pros
- Highly unusual
- One of the few sources of live festival music
- Nice descriptive booklet with lots of photos
Cons
- Some tracks are only goat or sheep bells
- Listeners may miss balanced "mix" of instuments
- Some may find gaida bagpipes discordant
Description
- "Belled Goats of Assiros" & "Belled Sheep of Dorkas" are just that.
- Things pick up with "New Year at Sohos".
- "Taverna Party at Nikisiani" is the most listenable track.
- Eastern flavor may not sound "Greek" enough for some.
- Musicians include Zissis Hindzos, Aristidis and Yiannis Dramalis.
Guide Review - Bells & Winter Festivals of Greek Macedonia
This CD is part of the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings series and was recorded by Steven Feld during Christmas and New Year's 2000-2001. Unlike other collections, it is extremely up-to-date, listening in on the living traditions in these villages. The CD is a companion piece ot the book "Bright Balkan Morning: Romani Lives and the Power of Music in Greek Macedonia" which explores the lives of settled Rom families in Iraklia.
