Sunday Listening #07 With Greek Flavour

Dizzy Gillespie - Dizzy in Greece [1956]

In March of 1956, bebop trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and his band embarked for Southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia on the first U.S. State Department Jazz tour. The urgency to strengthen the image of America in the Mediterranean led him to Athens for a series of concerts. And Dizzy, with his spell-binding virtuosity, arresting solos, and egalitarian sensibilities buoyed by playful humor, won over a wide variety of audiences. Greeks had been rioting in Athens in May 1956, protesting America's resolve to support the British in the struggle for Cyprus. Newspapers were asking why America was sending Jazz bands to Greece instead of guns. Dizzy's opening concert was staged for the same students who had just thrown rocks at the windows of the U.S. Information Service. Tension was high as the band started to play and students jeered. Quickly, an ominous silence fell. And then... as the band roared and swung, the jeers turned to cheers and the riot had turned to roaring approval with hats, jackets and other apparel thrown to the ceiling. The crowd was so taken that they carried Dizzy out on their shoulders stalling traffic in the center of Athens. [www.jazzonline.gr]  

However, this record was not made in Greece. The performances and arrangements are excellent. 'Yesterdays','Tin Tin Deo','Groovin' For Nat','Annie's Dance' were recorded with the same personnel that toured Greece, but in May 1956.  More than half a century later, "Dizzy In Greece" with the emblematic cover (and the artist's name written in Greek [ΓΚΙΛΕΣΠΙ] on the back cover), sounds fresh and shiny old today, remaining one of Gillespie's most important recordings with a particular interest for Greeks.

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Dizzy Gillespie - Never On Sunday [by Mikis Theodorakis]

 

Phil Woods - Greek Cooking [1967]

Probably one of the more unusual recordings in Phil Woods' considerable discography, Greek Cooking features the alto saxophonist leading a tentet with a distinctly Greek flavor, including four Greek musicians. None of them have become household names in jazz, though oud player George Mgrdichian later sat in with the Dave Brubeck Quartet during a few concerts. While the addition of instruments like the dumbeg and buzukie add a new twist, the annoying fender bass and the material chosen make the LP sound rather dated. "A Taste of Honey" is given a modal-like arrangement and it's hard not to break into a broad grin when hearing the lively "Zorba the Greek." A musical curiosity that's been out-of-print for a long time, it should appeal to Woods' fans because of his ability to make the best of the material with his powerful, never dull playing. [allmusic.com review by Ken Dryden]

Phil Woods - Greek Cooking

Vassilis Saleas – Isimeria [1999]

Born into a family of musicians, "the magician of the clarinet", Vassilis Saleas began to fascinate with his musical talent at the age of nine. He has unique collaborations and recognition all over the world. The best words from music critics and important artists who have collaborated with him always accompany the work of Vassilis Saleas. The great musician, who undoubtedly opened new avenues in the sound of the clarinet with the uniqueness of his playing and highlighted the inexhaustible potential of the instrument, claims: "The feeling that comes out of the soul enlivens the clarinet and makes it stand out."

"Isimeria" contains music and songs by Greek songwriters that are performed with the sound of the clarinet to offer a different and special acoustic pleasure.

Vassilis Saleas – Petrina Hronia [Years of Stone] (music Stamatis Spanoudakis)

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