Υπερρεαλισμός Χ3

Ο Νίκος Λαρυγγάκης με το δεύτερο δίσκο του, το 1987, καταθέτει έναν ολόκληρο δίσκο με μελοποιημένα ποιήματα του Ανδρέα Εμπειρίκου.
Ο δίσκος "Πτερά Του Μοντεζούμα" περιλαμβάνει 7 μελοποιημένα ποιήματα (και έναν πρόλογο) που επέλεξε ο Άκος Δασκαλόπουλος, μελοποίησε ο Λαρυγγάκης και ερμηνεύει ο ίδιος και η πρωτοεμφανιζόμενη Ελένη Αντωνιάδου. 

Οι Μιχάλης Σιγανίδης και Θοδωρής Ρέλλος κυκλοφόρησαν το 1990 το άλμπουμ «ΤΟ ΠΡΩΙ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΒΡΑΔΥ». Τζαζ, αυτοσχεδιασμός, ηχητικά κολάζ και η ποίηση του Μίλτου Σαχτούρη (διαβασμένη από τον ίδιο) όπως ποτέ δεν αποδόθηκε από άλλο μουσικό σχήμα.

Το 2010 κυκλοφορεί η «Ύδρα ΤΩΝ ΠΟΥΛΙΩΝ», μια προσπάθεια μελοποίησης-απόδοσης της ποίησης του Νίκου Εγγονόπουλου από τον Socos. Ο Δημήτρης Πουλικάκος αναλαμβάνει να απαγγείλει-αποδώσει τα ποιήματα και το όλο αποτέλεσμα είναι ένας εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέρον δίσκος υπερρεαλιστικής ποίησης.

6 άλμπουμ που ξεχωρίσαμε το 2017 και μια πρόβλεψη για το 2018

Blues: Illegal Operation – Down
Σύγχρονο blues με φοβερές συνθέσεις, καλή παραγωγή, ωραία παιξίματα και λειτουργική ενορχήστρωση. Όλα σε ισορροπία. Τέλειο.

Rock: Baby Guru – IV
Οι Baby Guru είναι η πιο σημαντική μπάντα του εγχώριου ροκ αυτή τη στιγμή καθώς η επιρροή της (και των μελών της) ξεπερνά τη δική της δισκογραφία και αποτυπώνεται σε μια σειρά από παραγωγές / συμμετοχές σε δουλειές άλλων αλλά και στις solo δουλείες των μελών της.

Pop: The Man From Managra – Half a century man
Το δεύτερο άλμπουμ του The Man from Managra (Coti K) περιέχει μια ακόμα παρτίδα καλοφτιαγμένων ΤΡΑΓΟΥΔΙΩΝ από αυτά που σπάνια συναντά κανείς σήμερα. Κορυφαία ποπ (με την ευρύτερη – παλαιότερη – έννοια του όρου, με τραγούδια με κουπλέ/ρεφραίν, λιτές ενορχηστρώσεις και εκφραστικές ερμηνίες).

World: Trio Tekke & Dave De Rose – Zivo
Οι Trio Tekke πάνε ένα βήμα παραπέρα τον ήχο τους (με βάση το ρεμπέτικο) και με τη βοήθεια του Dave De Rose (εκτός από τη μουσική του συνεισφορά, το βάρος του βιογραφικού του ενδέχεται να ανοίξει κάποιες πόρτες κάτι που ούτως ή άλλως οι Trio Tekke το αξίζουν).

Jazz: Yiannis Kassetas – Northern Lights
O Γιάννης Κασσέτας σε ένα ακόμα κοσμικό ταξίδι με την αφρόκρεμα της ελληνικής τζαζ αλλά και τον Αμερικανό σαξοφωνίστα Craig Handy. Ένα περιπετειώδες άλμπουμ που σε συνεπαίρνει.

Έντεχνο: Σταύρος Ξαρχάκος – Ελεγείες και Σάτιρες
Μια έκπληξη της χρονιάς τόσο για το μουσικό/στιχουργικό μέρος, όσο και για την παρουσία του Ξαρχάκου ως βασικού ερμηνευτή του δίσκου.

Τέλος ακούσαμε το trailer (μόνο) της νέας δουλειάς του Τάκη Μπαρμπαγάλα. Πρόκειται για το Nocturne, το δεύτερο προσωπικό του άλμπουμ (μετά το Phosphorus Hesperus του 2015) που θα κυκλοφορήσει το Φλεβάρη 2018. Θα περιέχει τέσσερις συνθέσεις (η μία διασκευή σε πρελούδιο του Bach). 

Αναμένουμε… 

Holy Monitor: μια ξεχωριστή μπάντα

Οι Holy Monitor ανήκουν στην ευρύτερη κατηγορία του ψυχεδελικού ροκ (οι ίδιοι αυτοπροσδιορίζονται ως “psych”) με αναφορές τόσο στο kraut όσο και στο Madchester, στον ύστερο Julian Cope και τους Porcupine Tree αλλά και στο stoner σε σημεία.

To γκρουπ υπάρχει δισκογραφικά από το 2015 με πρώτο ολοκληρωμένο άλμπουμ το ομώνυμο που κυκλοφόρησε το Φεβρουάριο του 2017.

Το άλμπουμ περιέχει 10 τραγούδια που κινούνται σε υψηλό επίπεδο. Ωραίες συνθέσεις με το όργανο και την κιθάρα να εναλλάσσονται μπροστά, καλή παραγωγή και ωραία παιξίματα. Ξεχωρίζω τα Golden Light, Bed of the Earth, Cacti και την Αφροδίτη, όμως το Holy Monitor είναι ένα άλμπουμ που ακούγεται ολόκληρο.



Πρόσφατα (Σεπτέμβριος 2017) το γκρουπ κυκλοφόρησε ένα νέο ψηφιακό single, το 10λεπτο Ghost που σκίζει.


Bandcamp: https://holymonitor.bandcamp.com/

SPACE.GR Vol.2

Η δεύτερη αυτή «διαστημική» συλλογή περιλαμβάνει 12 τραγούδια με ελληνικό στίχο που μιλούν – άμεσα – για το διάστημα.

Τραγούδια που μιλούν για εισβολές Αρειανών, διαστημικούς έρωτες, καταστροφή της Γης, φυγή στο διάστημα, διαστημόπλοια, επαφές με εξωγήινους, κλπ.



1. «…ο ουρανός έτρεξε αίμα καθώς πέρα από τους γιγάντιους βράχους του διαστήματος πρόβαλαν οι πολεμιστές…» ακούμε τον Χρήστο Τσάγκα από το LP Δημήτρης Κατής ‎– Δωριείς - Επιστροφή Στη Γή, (1987)

2. «…όταν ο προγραμματισμός συμπληρωθεί, στον Άρη όλοι θα’χουμε βρεθεί, τεχνοκρατία αυτόματες όλες οι μηχανές, μας οδηγούνε στο διάστημα το αχανές…» τραγουδά ο Μπονάτσος και οι Πελόμα Μποκιού στο «Προγραμματισμός» (από το single Οι Μάγοι/Προγραμματισμός, 1973).

3. «…γίνεται πόλεμος στην Ασία, κάπου στη Μέση Ανατολή, κι όλοι τρελαθήκαμε σ’ αυτό τον πλανήτη Γη, και όλοι τρελαθήκαμε κύριε εξωγήινε…» τραγουδά ο Δώρος Γεωργιάδης στο «Ο εξωγήινος» από το χριστιανικό «Πέρασαν 2000 χρόνια» του 1976.

4. «…δε σας θέλουμε στον Άρη, σας το λέμε καθαρά…κι επειδή δεν έχουμε όπλα, θα υψώσουμε πανό, που θα λένε σε εσπεράντο, Γήινοι go home…» τραγουδά ο Γιάννης Πετρίτσης ως Αρειανός προς Γήινους στον «Αρειανό» του 1973.

5. «Τα διαστημόπλοια τρέχουν και τρέχουν γεμάτα πύραυλους, όπλα και σχέδια, να βρουν σε κάποιον πλανήτη ζωή, τι να τους δώσει η έρημη Γη; Μόνο μικρόβια και αναίδεια…» τραγουδά ο Πασχάλης από το δίσκο «Εγώ ζωγράφισα τη Γη» (1983).

6. «UFO UFO, πάρτε και μένα μαζί σας στον ήλιο, θέλω απ’ αυτή τη ζωή να ξεφύγω…» από το «UFO» του Κώστα Τουρνά και των Επίκουρων (1980).

7. «Πανικοβληθήκαν όλοι οι άνθρωποι στη Γη, μάθαν απ’ τον Άρη πως θα γίνει εισβολή, μες τις εκκλησίες τρέχουν γρήγορα να μπουν, όλοι την ανάγκη νοιώθουν να προσευχηθούν, διαστημόπλοια θα γεμίσει ο ουρανός, μα αν θελήσει θα μας σώσει ο Θεός…» περιγράφει ο Σωτήρης Κοματσιούλης στο χριστιανικό «Εισβολή από τον Άρη» του 1972.

8. «Δεν ήταν άστρο ούτε φεγγάρι, μα διαστημόπλοιο από τον Άρη…» τραγουδά ο Ηλίας Ασβεστόπουλος και οι 2002GR στο «Διαστημόπλοιον» (από το δίσκο Σιδερένιος Άνθρωπος του 1975).

9. «…σε άλλους κόσμους μακρινούς κάτι γυρεύει, ένα κομμάτι απ’ την ψυχή μας ταξιδεύει, με υπόσταση που πήρε ύλη από το σύμπαν, και αναμνήσεις πρωτόγνωρες μας φέρνει…» ακούμε στο θρυλικό άλμπουμ του Ηρακλή Τριανταφυλλίδη «Ηρακλής – Σε άλλους κόσμους» του 1976.

10. «…είναι ο χρόνος πια μηδέν, η γη μας καίγεται που λεν, εξαφανίστηκα από δω, μ’ένα μπαλάκι χημικό, διαστημόπλοιο ατομικό…» από το δυστοπικό «Είναι ο χρόνος πια μηδέν» του Κώστα Κουκουτάρα γραμμένο στα 70s αλλά ακυκλοφόρητο μέχρι το 2014 (Κώστας Κουκουτάρας – Ο Μάγος , 2014).

11. «…ότι σήμερα μοιάζει τρελό κι αδιανόητο, ίσως αύριο να είναι το αληθινό, πίστεψε με μια φορά, τρίτο αστέρι δεξιά…» τραγουδά ο Αλέξανδρος Μολφέτας από το «Ταξίδι στα αστέρια» του 2008, τη ροκ όπερα εμπνευσμένη από το Star Trek.

12. «…θα ζούμε πάλι τρόμο και ρομάντζο σ’έναν άλλο πλανήτη…μωρό μου από τον κόσμο που ζούμε δεν υπάρχει τίποτα πιο εξωφρενικό…» τραγουδούν οι Κόρε Ύδρο στη συμμετοχή τους στη συλλογή Horror And Romance On Another Planet του 2010.

Tracklist

1. Δημήτρης Κατής - Πρόλογος (1987)

2. Πελόμα Μποκιού - Προγραμματισμός (1973)

3. Δώρος Γεωργιάδης - Ο εξωγήινος (1976)

4. Γιάννης Πετρίτσης - Ο Αρειανός (1973)

5. Πασχάλης - Τα διαστημόπλοια (1983)

6. Κώστας Τουρνάς - UFO (1980)

7. Σωτήρης Κοματσιούλης - Εισβολή από τον Άρη (1972)

8. Ηλίας Ασβεστόπουλος 2002 - Διαστημόπλοιον (1975)

9. Ηρακλής και Λερναία Ύδρα - Σε άλλους κόσμους (1976)

10. Κώστας Κουκουτάρας - Είναι ο χρόνος πια μηδέν (2014)

11. Αλέξανδρος Μολφέσης - 3ο αστέρι δεξιά (2008)

12. Κόρε Ύδρο - Σε έναν άλλο πλανήτη (2010)

Γιατί οι Baby Guru είναι η σημαντικότερη Ελληνική ροκ μπάντα σήμερα.

Αν δεχτούμε ότι τα μεγάλα Ελληνικά rock συγκροτήματα (εκείνα που κατάφεραν να βγουν με αξιώσεις εκτός συνόρων, που επηρέασαν πλείστα συγκροτήματα εντός συνόρων και που συνεχίζουν να θεωρούνται άξια αναφοράς ακόμα και σήμερα) είναι οι Aphrodite’s Child, οι Socrates και οι Last Drive, τότε η φυσική συνέχειά τους είναι οι Baby Guru.

Δεν έχει να κάνει με όποια συγγένεια στον ήχο - καμία σχέση – αλλά με κάτι που εμφανίζεται μια φορά ανά δεκαετία και δεν κρύβεται: την ΑΝΕΣΗ.
Εξηγούμαι: άνεση είναι η εμφανής ικανότητα δημιουργίας όμορφων τραγουδιών κατ’ επανάληψη. Δε χρειάζεται δηλαδή να περιμένουμε 10 χρόνια μέχρι τον επόμενο δίσκο ώστε να έρθει η έμπνευση. Ούτε φτιάχνουμε 10 τραγούδια και αυτά είναι όλα κι όλα, τα βγάζουμε δίσκο. Οι άνθρωποι έχουν ιδέες, αλλάζουν ήχο, γράφουν διαρκώς και αναγκάζονται να επιλέξουν τα καλύτερα, αφήνοντας άλλα «μέτρια» εκτός, δεν έχουν – ή έστω δε φαίνεται να έχουν – writer’s block, το κάθε μέλος τους βγάζει και έναν προσωπικό δίσκο για την πλάκα του – που εντάξει δεν είναι κορυφαίος ή μπορεί και να είναι. Με λίγα λόγια δεν έχουν πρόβλημα να παράγουν ωραία μουσική που αφορά τον κόσμο του σήμερα και να συμμετέχουν όπου αλλού γουστάρουν.

Αυτή είναι και η βάση σύγκρισης με τους προηγούμενους. Οι Aphrodite’s Child, Socrates & Last Drive ήταν (είναι) συγκροτήματα πού άφησαν hits (τηρουμένων των αναλογιών πάντα), που επηρέασαν άλλους και που ταυτόχρονα με τη δική τους επιτυχημένη πορεία συμμετείχαν (ως συγκρότημα ή τα μέλη τους) σε πολλές αξιόλογες παραγωγές, άλλα συγκροτήματα, κλπ.
Γενικά δηλαδή τα μέλη ήταν δραστήρια και εκτός γκρουπ, δείχνοντας ανοιχτοί στο νέο και προσφέροντας όπου τους δινόταν η ευκαιρία (και προφανώς ταίριαζαν).

Οι Aphrodite’s Child εκτός από τις προσωπικές καριέρες όλων των μελών (Ρούσσος, Παπαθανασίου, Σιδεράς, Κουλούρης, Χαλκίτης) δούλεψαν παράλληλα project με Eros, Dimitri (Ταμπόσης), Alpha Beta, Humanity, κ.α.
Οι Socrates το ίδιο: προσωπικές καριέρες και συνεργασίες με Dimitri, You Guys, Flex και πλήθος Ελλήνων ροκ και έντεχνων καλλιτεχνών.
Οι Last Drive με ένα ολόκληρο οικοσύστημα γύρω τους: Blackmail, The Earthbound, Thee Holy Strangers και συμμετοχές άπειρες (Nightstalker, Dustbowl, κ.α.).

Και φτάνουμε στους Baby Guru που μετρούν ήδη 4 LP ξεκινώντας από το ομώνυμο το 2011. Ανάμεσα παρεμβάλλονται και ένα mini album (Sunshine Special) κάποια digital singles, καθώς και σειρά από πειραματικά EP (digital & δωρεάν), τα Yogi Sister 1, 2, 3.

Εκτός από τα παραπάνω – που δεν είναι λίγα μέσα σε 6 χρόνια, ούτε ποιοτικά «λίγα» ή «μέτρια», αλλά δείχνουν μια ξεκάθαρη (;) πορεία προς κάτι μεγάλο – υπάρχουν και τα προσωπικά άλμπουμ ή οι συμμετοχές. Δύο – ωραία – άλμπουμ του Prins Obi, άλλα δύο – άνισα αλλά ενδιαφέροντα – του King Elephant, καθώς και συμμετοχές/παραγωγές σε KU, Chickn, Banquettes And The Tennis Shoes, κ.α.

Δεν είναι λίγα, ούτε ασήμαντα.
http://babyguruband.com

2 από τα καλύτερα

Το 2016 είχε αρκετά καλά άλμπουμ. Αυτά τα δύο όμως ήταν τα καλύτερα μου: το ντεμπούτο των Chickn και το υπέροχο τρίτο των Gravitysays_I, Quantum Unknown.

Αμφότερα εκδόθηκαν από την Inner Ear, που συνεχίζει να μας δίνει καταπληκτικά άλμπουμ.

Loving the alien

Η εκτόξευση του πρώτου δορυφόρου (Sputnik 1) το 1957, που σηματοδότησε την έναρξη της Εποχής του Διαστήματος,  επηρέασε με τον έναν ή τον άλλον τρόπο όλες τις πτυχές της ανθρώπινης ζωής, της τέχνης μη εξαιρουμένης.

Σήμερα, μπαίνοντας στη δεύτερη φάση της Διαστημικής Εποχής (διαστημικός τουρισμός, καλλιέργειες στο διάστημα, κλπ.) ας ρίξουμε μια ματιά στο - μικρό αλλά ενδιαφέρον - αποτύπωμα που άφησε η εποχή εκείνη στην Ελληνική ροκ σκηνή των 70s (άντε και λίγο 80s).
Ακολουθούν 4 χαρακτηριστικά τραγούδια από τα 70s και 1 από τα 80s (με Ελληνικό στίχο).

1. Ο Σωτήρης Κοματσιούλης είναι ένας τοπικός θρύλος με καριέρα που ξεκινά στις αρχές του 70 (και συνεχίζει ως σήμερα) και συνεργασίες που μεταξύ άλλων περιλαμβάνουν τους Soft Machine, 10cc, Bob Marley, Third World!
Το 1972 ο Κοματσιούλης κυκλοφόρησε το single Επιδρομή από τον Άρη/Σαν τον άνεμο με το καταπληκτικό xian-rock Επιδρομή από τον Άρη.
(το εξώφυλλο από τη συλλογή τραγουδιών του 2010 Σαν τον άνεμο)

2. Ο Κώστας Τουρνάς έχει ίσως τις περισσότερες space αναφορές στη δισκογραφία του.
Από τα Αστρόνειρα του 1973 ακουμε το Διαστημάνθρωπο.

3. Ο Ηλίας Ασβεστόπουλος με τους 2002 (GR) Ilias Asvestopoulos 2002 κυκλοφόρησε το 1975 το - κλασικό - άλμπουμ Ο Σιδερένιος Άνθρωπος, από όπου ακούμε το Διαστημόπλοιο.

4. Ο Εξωγήινος είναι ένα χριστιανικό progressive τραγούδι των Δώρου Γεωργιάδη και
Σταύρου Σιδερά από τον xian-rock δίσκο τους Πέρασαν 2000 χρόνια του 1976.

5. Λίγα χρόνια αργότερα, το 1983, ο Δώρος Γεωργιάδης θα γράψει τη μουσική για το δίσκο του Πασχάλη Εγώ Ζωγράφισα τη Γη σε στίχους Σώτιας Τσώτου. Από αυτό τον δίσκο ακούμε τα Διαστημόπλοια.

Greek AOR

Taxi and Coo both left but one album.
Yet both albums are the best Greek ones of what we call AOR or melodic rock.

Taxi released their album Take it or Leave it in 1980.
Members of the band where Yiannis Saroglou, Richard Whitman, Nikos Politis and Nikos Karvelas who has written all music and lyrics.

Take it or leave it

 Breakin' in

Coo released their album Rock Eyes in 1982.
The band members where Manos Neofitos, Babis Persidis, John Calabokas, Bill Ghinos, Cosmas Amiralis, while the album was produced by Makis Milatos.








Coo full album Rock Eyes

David Bowie’s Son

Although David Bowie was a great influence for the Greek pop/rock scene (from Kostas Tournas to South of No North to His Majesty’s the King of Spain and many others), not much of his songs have found their way to discography (as opposed to live performances).

Throughout the Greek discography there is one song that stands out because a) it’s a good song and b) it describes an imaginary (personal) relationship with David Bowie:

it’s David Bowie’s Son by His Majesty the King of Spain (Hyena - Inner Ear, 2012).



As mentioned many artists were influenced by his music and transformations.
Kostas Tournas was among the first to introduce a similar approach to music (music + mythology + pop art innovation) in his Aperanta Horafia (1972) and mostly Astronira (1973).



More recently 2 of the few Bowie covers found their way to an album: both are covers to Gene Genie! The first one dates back to 1986 from a Dimitris Poulikakos live recording which was published in 2004.



The second one (Gene Genie again) comes from a live (again) of Stavros Logaridis (2004) release on a double cd shared with Poulikakos in 2009.



Apart from his connection to Cyprus (through his wife Angie) and to the island of Patmos where he was a regular visitor, it is worth mentioning his one and only live appearance in Greece back in 1996. It was the next year of his great come-back album Outside and Bowie was performing after Elvis Costello and Lou Reed!
The sound, band and orchestration were great and matched the Outside sound, making his older songs sound contemporary (Scary Monsters).

Here’s a David Bowie portrait made of test tubes installed in the front lobby of the hotel King George in Athens. A nice pick!



Here’s Duran Duran playing Starman 40 years after its release in front of Greek audience.



And here’s Dimitri Vassilakis, the sax player, performing The Man Who Sold The World live in a Greek club (2014). The band covers several Bowie songs that night. Unfortunately the sound is …very bad.

And finally here's a mashup I did combining How easy is to fly by Mikael Delta and Let's Dance by David Bowie.

Sociology Groove

George Kinousis released his album Asteia kai Sovara (Funny and Serious) in 1975. The singer/songwriter had always an interest for social matters and this album includes 2 of his most beautiful songs: the opening track (South Africa) speaking of Apartheid and the closing track (America) speaking of (then and now) contemporary life in US. Interestingly the musical style he chooses is jive for South Africa and r&b for America.



South Africa,1975

Dimitris Poulikakos after a long period of recording his songs and searching for a company, finally releases his album Metafore - Ekdrome “o Mitsos” (Transportation Excursions “Mitsos”) in 1976.
The album is considered to be the first Greek-singing, rock, LP and was a major influence for the coming rock generations.





Skoni, Petres, Laspi (Dust, Rocks, Mud), 1976 

Christos Lettonos has left a small but distinctive footprint throughout his life (died at 45) and career mainly through his collaborations with major composers but also with a couple of unique (in terms of the concept and performance) albums he released as solo artist: Stratiotika (Military) and Grafeiokratia (Bureaucracy - 1976).





Grafeiokratia (Bureaucracy), 1976

Millie Karali appeared in discography in 1973. She has collaborated with some of the finest Greek artists (Hatzidakis, Xarhakos, Xylouris, Lavranos etc) and in 1975 she moves to Paris where she released two albums (Milady Millie, La Chanson Universelle). In 1982 she released Ta Feministika (Feministic) with the music of Nikos Lavranos and the lyrics of Giannis Negrepontis.





Oloi tou kosmou oi tapinoi (All the world's humble people), 1982

Pashalis (singer of Olympians) has released in 1983 a record (H poli afti de mas hora/There's no space for us in this town) that stands out in the discography of the artist as he deals for the first time, to this extend, with social issues such as war, abortion, religion, politics etc. The music belongs to Doros Georgiadis and the lyrics to Sotia Tsotou.





H Poli afti de mas xora (There's no room for us in this town), 1983

Garage Days

Formed in 1981, Villa 21 transformed slowly from a new wave band with influences from Birthday Party, to a neo garage band standing between Rocky Erickson and the Stooges.
They left 4 EPs and 3 LPs before they split with the last 3 (Electric Poison-1987, House of the Damned-1988 and Hellucinations-1990) being some of the best raw rock albums of Greek discography. Their singer Kostas Fever Pothoulakis died in a car accident in 1993.



House of the Damned from their EP with same name - 1988

Formed 1983 in Athens, The Anti Troppau Council were a short-lived band but with a loyal fan club. They left just one LP, A Way Out (1986, produced by Nikos Papazoglou) and several tracks on compilations. They broke in 1987 just before the release of their second album (which was never released). Two of their new songs were included in the Cicadas compilation.





I Believe from the A Way Out LP - 1986

The Mushrooms were formed in Thessaloniki in 1984. They released 2 albums (Taste of-1986 and Scarecrow Princes-1989) both produced by Nikos Papazoglou. They also appeared in Cicadas compilation with 2 songs and finally disbanded 1991 with their guitarist Asclepios Zambetas joining another group of Thessaloniki, Trypes. Their vocalist Pluto died in 2004.






Sleeping in the Lizard's Mouth from Scarecrow Princess LP - 1989
 

Small Constellations

When I was working on Tom Kazas post and interview back in December, Tom told me he was working on a 4 song EP to be released in 2012.

Well melbn pyxis is released and it is a very interesting (re) turn to song form (after Verdigris LP).
Tom has written and produced 4 songs that bring the song craft of the Moffs days, through Taj Orange, to today.
Which means that there are references to the Moffs and the psychedelic pop of the Taj Orange project (but also to Brian Eno and David Sylvian), the compositions follow the song-form that Tom has mastered (no clear couplet-refrain form but smaller tonal and rhythmic changes that move in cycles towards an inner climax) and the production allows for the psychedelic past to gloom into a fresh sound.
Maturity is also reflected in the lyrics that tend to be more personal.

Listen to small constellations from melbn pyxis (2012)



www.tomkazas.net

Transformations

From new wave to alternative rock, to psychedelic/progressive, to heavy progressive, to…?

Takis Barbagalas definitely likes changes as his 28-year spanning career proves.

First major step was Lefki Symfonia (White Symphony).

The group formed in 1984 and released 2 important and influential albums (Mystikoi Kipoi 1986, Iho tou Pothou 1988) before Barbagalas leave in 1991.

These first albums were closer to new wave (their sound became harder after Barbagalas left).



Lefki Symfonia - Mystikoi Kipoi (Secret Gardens) from the album with same name, 1986

In 1994 Barbagalas released a new album and single with Red Mist, the new band he formed with former singer of metal band Selefice. The sound is heavy like the grunge and alternative rock sound of the era.



Red Mist - Empire of All from their 1994 single (the song was also included in the album)

Barbagalas then makes a u-turn and deep dives into 70s psychedelic/progressive sound.

Will-o-the wisp seems to be the best vehicle for his artistic quest.
Formed in 1997 Will-o-the wisp released their first self-titled album in 1999.



Will-o-the wisp - Elbereth (Lonely Queen) from their first album, 1999

Another 3 albums follow (Second Sight in 2000, Ceremony of innocence in 2004 and A gift for your dreams in 2007) were the sound becomes even richer and the compositions move towards a pure progressive form reaching high standards on their last album, A gift for your dreams.

Will-o-the wisp - Nature Boy from A gift for your dreams album, 2007

The same team, that is the Will-o-the wisp composition since 2005 (Takis Barbagalas: guitars, Agelos Gerakitis: vocals, Kostas Pagonas: bass and Kostas Kostopoulos: drums), has started a parallel project under the name Manticore’s Breath.

Manticore's Breath - Devil's Hunger from 2010 EP

Their first 10inch was released in 2010 including 2 songs indicating a shift towards more heavy progressive forms.

Their 2011 album Death Breath actually established the new direction with 6 new tracks with heavy guitar riffs, a tight rhythm section and haunted vocals.
The album is released in 600 vinyl copies (sold out) and cd.

Manticore's Breath - Your truth is a dead God from Death Breath album, 2011


info: http://www.will-o-thewisp.gr

The Topologist

What is particularly interesting about Tom Kazas is the diversity of his art.

From the psychedelic Moffs to the ethnic groove of Xitzaz, from his ambient works to his film-making, Tom seems to enjoy interpreting things from all possible angles, then letting his ideas “breath” before come into shape.



Tom Kazas, born 1965, is a Greek /Australian composer, producer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and recently a film maker.

The Moffs - Another Day in the Sun (from The Moffs, 1986)

As well as being the creative force behind the Moffs, the Australian psychedelic pop/rock group of the 80s, Tom has a rich discography as a solo artist, but also as a producer and arranger.

His collaborations range from psychedelic pop (Taj Orange EP, 1991), to the ethnic (with Richard Lawson of Lime Spiders on the 1994 Fig Tree Renaissance album, and with the Ducers, Shift the Teli album of 1996). From Greek jazz (with Xitzaz band and the album Turbulence of 1999) to Xmas songs (in Tiny Tim’s Christmas Album of 1996).


Taj Orange - Premonition (from In A Sea With..., 1991)

Unfortunately most of his records are really hard to find. Tom did surprise me and send me a couple of his rare and out of print recordings.

The album Turbulence by Xitzaz is a very special case. Kazas is a member, arranger and producer for Xitzaz, which is a band playing Greek jazz, as they claim on Tom’s web site.


I would describe this as a jazz/funk/traditional fusion featuring inspired covers of traditional and popular Greek songs but also original compositions from Kazas and the band.
Check their magnificent cover of master of rembetico Markos Vamvakaris' Frangosiriani.

Frangosiriani - Xitzaz (from Turbulence, 1999)

Tom’s latest album, Verdigris, was released earlier this year.
It is a full length piano album of four pieces.
A minimal work with an emphasis on the rhythmic, repetitive patterns which progress slowly in moving cycles.







Emerge - Tom Kazas (from Verdigris, 2011)


Cinema is another extension of Tom’s artistic endeavor. He has made several short films with The Topologist being the latest one. It’s a 16 minute “cinema poem on the examination of self”, as he explains.

The Topologist trailer



A discussion with Tom Kazas

G: Tom what is your Greek heritage?

My father was born in a village near Nafplion and came to Australia in 1959. My mother was born in Sydney, whose father came to Australia in 1933 from Castellorizo.

G: You have worked with many Greeks (writing music for their films, producing albums, composing etc). Is there an artistic Greek community in Australia?

I'm certain there is a community. I don't interact with it much now, so I don’t know what shape it takes. When I work with Greeks, I tend to see them as 'individuals with extras'. I have always enjoyed the freedom to be able to engage with Greeks, and then the freedom to ignore that identity. I think it's that circularity that helps to keep Hellenism alive for me, here in an anglophone country.

When I was younger I was much more involved with the Greek community in Sydney. I was the composer for a many Greek Theatre productions, and later with the Greek jazz band 'Xitzaz'. There was certainly a strong sense of community around those activities.

I suspect that as the Greek-Australian community matures and hybridizes, it becomes more about 'choosing' to be Greek. There is so much to choose from and be stunned by. I have always understood that it is at my core, personally and as a westerner, and know that it will continue to give me energy for the rest of my life.

G: You recently played a few gigs with the Moffs. How was it? Any plans for new music?

The recent Moffs gigs were a great experience for me, and I think for many people. Because we played a 1985 setlist with the original members, it was a rare opportunity to get into that distant headspace. Remember, I was twenty years old in 1985, so it was a way to experience part of that naiveté and joy again. After the gigs I was told there were a few tears in a few eyes. I was also told that 'Another Day in the Sun' had been played at weddings! Mostly, it was great to play that style of rock guitar and sing a few old songs. There are no plans for any further new music by the Moffs.

From the 2011 Moffs gigs. Photos by Kyleigh Pitcher

Surprised - The Moffs (from Labyrinth, 1988)


G: I think the uniqueness of the Moffs sound is somehow connected with your Greek heritage. In many cases you are following "eastern" routes when singing or playing the guitar. Same thing with your solo albums. For example in Garden of Fascination from Saint or Fool.

You are not only perceptive but essentially right in your listening. In fact, there has never been an album that I have released, Moffs or other, that has not had some rather strong Greek elements in it. I could easily make a list of songs for you like 'Garden of Fascination', that have a Greek heart; from the earliest Moffs to Verdigris, and in the Topologist.

Garden of Fascination - Tom Kazas (from Saint or Fool, 1997)


G: Another observation has to do with what we have already discussed as diversity in your music. I think these elements, that might be not so obvious or fully developed in the Moffs, were taken a step further on your solo albums. If the early years are about the big picture, then the mature years are about exploring the detail. For example, the Dolphin and I, Tapestry or the first half of Stealing Cake. I have the feeling that you took some not-fully-developed ideas and perfected them in your Telemetry or Fleeting Eternities albums. And then you took elements from Telemetry and Fleeting Eternities to stretch, improvise and further explore into Verdigris.

And again, you are right. The Moffs contained that combination of 'the song' and 'the instrumental' that I have mostly separated out, and continued to explore in my 'mature years'! It is mostly a conscious decision, for it has allowed me to bounce between the two poles, to use one to react against the other, a kind of escape valve.

It is true that on Verdigris I took a small group of seeds and sought to create whole worlds from them. Maybe it reflects my aging process, of seeking to distill and simplify, to explore what is easily missed, to try and have some power over time. Verdigris is this attempt at playing with time.

However, making the Topologist was such an important break in that musical bouncing process. It allowed me the freedom to really change the focus, and find a new way to question my place.

G: Is there a “wild” dream sitting in the back of your mind? Something that when it's done, it might surprise even its creator?

I don't really have an answer to that question, or, my answer doesn't seem to be that wild. Apart from:
-wanting to connect with an audience of millions,
-being heralded as a genius
-being talked about, and
-performing at Lycabettos...

If I have an answer, it is this:
To stay connected with art. As I age, the form this connection takes is less important to me. What is important is the making, the praxis, the necessity of it.
I hope to never lose my hunger for the thoughts and feelings of people, and the products of those thoughts and feelings. I would hate to lose that awareness, and then be content to live without it. That would be poverty. But I hear Kazantzakis' words resounding, for he told us how to attain freedom: by not fearing, not hoping.  Being an artist is one of the few activities that allows you to act in freedom, expensive though this sometimes is.

G: What’s next?

I am putting the finishing touches to my new four song ep, ‘Melbn Pyxis’ that I will release in 2012. It is refreshing for me because the lyrics have never been this direct, or personal. It felt like I needed to be more courageous, and the lyrical honesty on the ep was a way of achieving that. I hope to also be performing these songs with a new band.

Later next year I hope to release the dvd, 'the Topologist and other Cinema Poems'. This release will mean that the Topologist will finally be available. It is also a nice way to issue some of my video work, of which a few are on youtube .

Several years ago, film and video became an all-encompassing activity for me. At a time in my life when I needed to ‘see’ things differently, film making became obvious and necessary. I think the activity of being a film maker was always latent in me. An added inspiration is the work of Theo Angelopoulos.
Creating the Greek version of 'the Topologist’ was a wonderful exercise in exploring the poetry of the Greek language, and also the difficulties of translation. My dear friend Nonda Antonopoulos, from Xitzaz and the Ducers, did most of the translation work. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. It was also an honour to have Kristi Stassinpoulou perform the voice over.

In his own words:

My first record:
I really can't remember. I had my sister's and uncle's records, and I was borrowing from the library and from friends. But at 10 years old I was given 'High Tide Green Grass' by the Rolling Stones.

I was also hearing the Greek music my father was playing in the house, Theodorakis and Xarhakos. He made little edited Super8 films of family things and would then project it with a variety of music from his reel to reel tape machine. These were early multi-media experiences for me.

My first concert:
There was a festival day with local bands like the Angels, Split Enz, Jimmy and the Boys.
But the first 'concert' for me was the Cure in 1981, I was 16.

The song I wish I had written:
At the moment, it's 'Atom and Cell' by Nine Horses (David Sylvian).

The artist I’d like to collaborate with:

Akira Rabelais

My favorite Greek album:

That's hard. 'Mou Thimizeis ti Mana mou' by Christos Kyriazis, or 'Odes' by Vangelis.

Mou Thimizeis ti Mana mou (You remind me of my mother) - Christos Kyriazis

Dance of Fire - Vangelis

My favorite movie:

Something by Tarkovsky, maybe 'Stalker'.

However, I recently saw 'Turin Horse' by Bela Tarr, that was quite astounding.

What still surprises me:

 1. The sheer beauty and wonder of existence. The depth of sorrow it also contains.

 2. The scale of legal corruption.

 3. What my children say and do.

My moto:

Oh, I have several. Here are but a few, in no particular order:

'To be courageous, one must perform acts of courage'.

'Be attentive to the few moments that give meaning'.

'You only know yourself in the presence of others'.

'Creative work is serious play'.

Letter to the Dead - Tom Kazas (from The Wound, 1999)


End as Beginning - Tom Kazas (from Telemetry, 2003)


Discography and info about Tom Kazas on his site: http://www.tomkazas.net
Hint: Tom has a few copies of the out-of-print Xitzaz album. You can contact him here!

Athens Calling

It's a chaotic, schizophrenic and frustrating situation.
For so many years corrupted governments, hungry allies and filthy syndicates rule.
No words to describe insanity.
Just 3 songs as a soundtrack to this madness.

1. Get Off My World - The Last Drive (from Heavy Liquid, 2009)

  2. Frank & Stein - Modrec (from Mascaraddiction, 2010)



3. Leftovers - Planet of Zeus (from Macho Libre, 2011)

Tokoloshe Men

John Kongos, born 1945 in Johannesburg, at Greek parents, is best known for his 1971 hit He’s Gonna Step on You Again. The song was a top 10 hit in UK and is cited in the Guinness book as the first song to ever use a sample (Wikipedia). In another interview (in Greek) Kongos claims that the use of tape loops was something usual at the time.
He’s Gonna Step on You Again was covered by several artists, most successful being the Happy Mondays cover under the title Step On.
The song was co-written by Chris Demetriou, another one with Greek origin (born in Cyprus and moved to South Africa).


He's Gonna Step on You Again (1971) - John Kongos


Tokoloshe Man (1971) - John Kongos

Both of them became known during the 60s, Kongos with his band Johnny Kongos and the G-Men and Demetriou with John E Sharpe & the Squires. The two form Floribunda Rose and in 1967 move to UK. After one year of touring and some singles Floribunda Rose change lineup and name. The new band created by Kongos and Demetriou, Scrugg, was another short lived project. After 3 singles and some heavy touring they split.The psychedelic pop music of Floribunda Rose and Scrugg plus the first solo album by John Kongos, Confusions About a Goldfish, are gathered in the Lavender Popcorn (1966 - 1969) compilation.

One Way Street (1967) - Floribunda Rose


Lavender Popcorn (1968) - Scrugg

Kongos followed a solo career with success in several countries during the 70s. Demetriou changed direction in 1972 and as a producer he produced many albums and singles with Buddha and the Chocolate Box by Cat Stevens (also from Cyprus) being one of them. Demetriou (according to Wikipedia) today is CEO and owner of a media company, a senior pastor (!) and a writer.
Kongos during the late 70s and 80s has written several film and TV scores including The Greek Tycoon, (story by Nico Mastorakis), Blind Date (b-movie by Nico Mastorakis), Cats Eyes etc. Today he lives in Arizona with his family (his children have formed their own band named Kongos).

Just a Dance With Me (1978) - Petula Clark (John Kongos from Greek Tycoon OST)

Cats Eyes theme (1985) - John Kongos (from Cats Eyes TV series)


I Need Your Love (1984) - John Kongos (from Blind Date OST)


Additional information about both Kongos and Demetriou plus interviews you can find in the nice Garagehangover blog (here and here) which I also used as a source of information.

The 4 Levels of Existence...

...of Nikos Grapsas, born 1957 in Lefkada island, Greece.
Nikos Grapsas has been a member in some of the most important Greek bands  including Paralos, The 4 Levels of Existence, Dynameis tou Aigaiou (Aegean Forces), Trihordo, Avaton, Nearhou Paraplous. He has a rich solo career too as well as many collaborations with great composers like Hatzidakis, Markopoulos, Stavrianos, Halaris etc.

Besides his classical studies, his passion for folk and traditional music of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans makes him expand his studies to cover Byzantine music and the Turkish and Arabic music systems. He is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer.

So here are the "4 levels of existence" of Nikos Grapsas:

LEVEL 1: Heavy Progressive/Psychedelic

The 4 Levels of Existence was a heavy progressive/psychedelic band of the 70s. Grapsas played the guitar, sang and contributed in compositions. They recorded only one LP which was released in 1976 in only a few copies.
Many consider this a masterpiece of the 70s progressive rock. As the years past this album became very famous among collectors all over the world and changed hands for more than 800$.

The album has been re-issued in LP, CD, mp3 format. Check the official site.

But the story does not end here: in 2009 a representative of the American rapper and producer Jay Z calls the ex-band members to ask permission to include a sample of their song in the forthcoming Jay Z album Blueprint 3. Permission granted and some 33 years later their music contributes to a worldwide smash hit.

So here’s the original: The 4 Levels of Existence – Some day in Athens [1976]

…and here’s the same song sampled: Jay Z – Run this town [2009]

LEVEL 2: The Traditional/Byzantine/Folk

As mentioned, Nikos Grapsas had a genuine passion for traditional music. During early 80s he and fellow musicians Tsiamoulis, Klapakis, Zevgolis and Tambouris, create a band, Dynameis tou Aigaiou (Aegean Forces) focusing on alternative interpretations of traditional songs of the Mediterranean and the Balkans but also creating original ones in the same spirit.


Byzantine scales, Balkan rhythms and ecclesiastic chant is present in all 4 of their recordings. The use of almost forgotten traditional instruments and the element of improvisation on traditional routes creates an influential example that many bands or artists followed in the next years. 

Here’s an original composition from their second album. The lyrics belong to Nobel prize winner, poet Odysseas Elytis:

Dynameis tou Aigaiou – Kokkino Alogo (Red Horse) [1987]

Level 3: The Electro/Ambient/World

In 1988 Panagiotis Xydias and Giannis Papadakis form Avaton, a band that focuses in ancient Greek music seen from a cultural exchange prism and influenced by Indian music, Armenian music and music of the Minor East. Nikos Grapsas soon joined Avaton and contributed in their 1st album with same name, released in 1991 by Manos Hatzidakis record company, Seirios.

The lyrics belong to ancient Greek poet Sappho (in ancient Greek)
Avaton released their 2nd album (without Grapsas) in 1993. Their 3rd album, Ex Adokito (Unforeseen as it was) includes new versions of the 1st and 2nd album compositions (including Grapsas compositions from the first album). There is a 4th release in 2001, Cosmon, based on Heraclitus and Epicurus words.

Here’s Avaton - Aerion Epeon Arhomai (With a Few Celestial Words I Shall Begin) [1996]


Level 4: The Solo journey

Nikos Grapsas moves from rock to eastern traditional music with ease. Here are two examples from two of his solo albums.

Perdika mou (My Partridge) from the Mia Kori Apo Tin Amorgo (A Fair Maiden from Amorgos) album of 1996. A double album including 13 songs, with traditional instruments but original orchestration.

The other side on Nikos Grapsas solo career is the one trying to unite eastern and western influences.
Mikri Erotes sti Lypimeni Poli (Young love in Sad City) album was released in 1997 and finds Nikos going electric again (after 4 Levels of Existence days) but also maintaining lot of traditional elements resulting in a unique blend of music.





Here’s To telos enos kalokairinou erota (The end of a summer love) from this album