Search - George Dalaras :: Portrait

Portrait
George Dalaras
Portrait
Genres: International Music, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (18) - Disc #1

George Dalaras has been described as the Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen of Greece, but this hardly does him justice. From his beginnings as a protest singer in the 1960s, he has dominated the Greek pop world, and has been...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: George Dalaras
Title: Portrait
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Blue Note Records
Original Release Date: 2/10/1998
Release Date: 2/10/1998
Genres: International Music, Pop
Styles: Europe, Continental Europe
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 724385959721

Synopsis

Amazon.com
George Dalaras has been described as the Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen of Greece, but this hardly does him justice. From his beginnings as a protest singer in the 1960s, he has dominated the Greek pop world, and has been instrumental in keeping the music true to its roots. His own roots are in rembetiko, the "Greek blues" of the port city slums; which he mixes with smirneiko, the eastern sound of Greek immigrants from Turkey, and laiko, the mainstream of Greek pop. His voice has an Arabic suppleness and soul, backed by wailing reeds, strings, and jauntily tinkling bouzoukis. He favors an acoustic sound, but dares to take chances. This anthology, split evenly between studio and live tracks (and including a fine guest spot by Paco de Lucia), is an excellent introduction to his work. --Elijah Wald
 

CD Reviews

Awesome anthology
Julius the Greek | Long Beach, CA United States | 09/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you already have a good collection of George Dalaras' recordings, then this may not be the CD for you, unless of course you want to have some of your favorite recordings on the same disk. If I were to burn a CD of my favorite songs, it would sound a great deal like this one. This would be the perfect purchase for someone who would like an introduction to George Dalaras, or Greek music in general. The songs on this CD capture the very heart and soul of the Greek spirit. I've had to buy three copies of this CD because I loan them out and they never come back!"
The elite of greek singers
Julius the Greek | 07/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this CD you can experience the originality of greek music,which is influenced by traditional and folk music. There aren't words to describe the greatness of Dalaras' voice.It is,perhaps,the best greek singer,who's got a very passionate voice.He combines excellent technique and dynamic perfomance.He has the ability to sing a very large variety of songs.Moreover,he's a great musician,who plays excellent quitar and all the traditional greek string instruments."
Musical Revelations: A Journey for the Soul
Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 04/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Modern Greek songs combine the ancient melodies and rhythms of the past with the voice of today, which creates new musical landscapes expressing universal truths. George Dalaras one of Greece's most popular and well known singers promotes the music of Greece with passion and energy like no other singer past or present ... Unlike many European countries, Greece does not adopt the prevailing pop culture of the world ... Greek music endures *because* it is based on the struggles/achievements of her past - it is an unbroken chain of music from ancient times. The universal message and appeal of the music bridges all cultures but the melodies, rhythms, and often the instruments are based on unbroken traditions. Dalaras voice is the main instrument, sincere,passionate, heartfelt, emotional... besides the bouzouki there is the violin, occasional guitar and clarinet, accompanied by orchestration to round out the music. The poetic titles of the songs reveal their contents: Konstandis, the only son; I was chosen; You were a god; Don't read my life; Take gypsy, your hammered billows; Death; The Sky Darkens; You finished me; The tough one; Your many faces; As long as the shutting door echoes; Songs are an illness ... Anyone familiar with George Dalaras will be drawn to the music by the mysterious titles alone, knowing that through his singing the mystery will gradually be revealed . Anyone unfamiliar, should listen and let this Greek musician of the soul enter and enchant you. Erika Borsos (erikab93)"