Songs of An Other – Savina Yannatou, soprano/ Primavera en Salonico – ECM 2057, 52:15 ****:
ECM continues its programs of presenting folk songs with a contemporary twist in this lovely and unusual recital of music from the Mediterranean and environs. I have been suspect of some of these albums in the past – not always convinced by the results which often sound contrived. This one is different; Soprano Savina Yannatou brings a versatile and satiny voice to this music that is easily able to convey the depth of feeling behind these songs.
Kostas Vomvolos arranged most of this music in fine style, and Yannatou makes the most of her opportunities to manipulate and extemporize on these traditional melodies in a manner almost approaching improvisation, yet remaining firmly under her obviously well-prepared control. This is a finely-wrought program that focuses on the beauty of the human voice as it carries the not-easily-dismissed weight of tradition. The band Primavera en Salonico adds the requisite accompaniment in superb fashion. Recommended.
TrackList:
Sareri hovin mernem (Armenia)
Za lioubih maimo tri momi (Pirin Macedonia, Bulgaria) Smilj Smiljana (Serbia)
Dunie-au (Kazakhstan) O Yannis kai O Drakos (Greece)
Albanian lullabye (Albania)
Omar hashem leyakoyv (Ashkenazic traditional)
Radile (Greece) Sassuni oror (Armenia)
Addio amore (Italy)
Perperouna (Greece)
Ah, Marouli (Greece)
— Steven Ritter
