Uproot: Greek Refuge Songs From Asia Minor
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Listen to Uproot: Greek Refuge Songs From Asia Minor
A collection of Greek Songs that stem from Asia Minor, the Kombos Collective, i.e. Katerina Clambaneva, Ellie Falaris Ganelin, Emma Selmon, and Mary-Victoria Voutsas, welcome a few guests for the chamber jazz setting.
The bright and dreamy “Apo Xeno Topo” starts the listen with Voutsas’ elegant keys that suit Clambaneva’s gorgeous singing, and “Menexedes Kai Zouboulia” follows with flowing melodies via Selmon’s graceful and pretty clarinet.
Deeper into the 13 tracks, “Na Zei Kaneis Sti Monaxia” uses firm keys and poetic vocals that are complemented by Ganelin’s well timed flute, while “Sto ‘pa Kai Sto Xanaleo” makes great use of guest Anastasis Sarakatsanos’ meticulous qanum in an intimate setting.
Nearing the end, the uplifiting “Dimitroula Mou” employs playful percussion from Anders Eliasson that contributes to the album’s best, and “Ehe Geia Panagia” exits with a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with a frisky appeal.
An extremely accomplished body of work, all the players bring a wealth of talent and experience to very worldly pieces.
Travels well with: Tom Maor- Dunes; Avery Sharpe- I Am My Neighbors Keeper