Disclaimer: As a second generation Greek, I grew up listening to the folk music of my grandparents, not realizing that the pulsating rhythms, earthy voices and passionate clarinet or strings were anything exotic. It wasn’t until I listened to music by Eric Dolphy that I found a reed player that sounded like what I heard on clarinet from Hellenistic players.
I bring this up because this collection of duets by Greek clarinetist Petroloukas Halkias and Lauto (think “big bouzouki”) master Vasilis Kostas mix lovely melodies from the Northwestern part of Greece with rich improvisations that will sound completely at home for both the fans of left-of-center jazz as well as those loyal to small group swing. There is a tad of percussion by Andrea Papas as on the danceable “Fysouni” and Kostas Tzimas adds his agonizing voice (the birth of the blues?) to Mariola (Miroloi)”, but for the most part you get some of the most personal melodicism and clarion improvisation this side of either Ornette Coleman or Eddie Lang.
Halkias supplies happy hiccups to “Zagorisio” while bringing mournful low tones to the chanting “Grava”, reaching the lowest visceral and sounding like he’s calling the sheep back to pasture on “Skaros”. Kostas is lyrical and lively on the village circle dance of “Palio Zagorisio” and gets deep and thoughtful on “To Parapono tou Laoutou.” As my dad used to say, “Don’t forget, we Greeks invented tragedies” and you can sense the passion on each tune.
While not noted on this album, one of my favorite memories of staring at the liner notes of Greek music albums was the fact that each song also mentioned what specific dance was to accompany the tune. While the songs have great melodies and themes, this music was meant for getting on your feet, either with a partner, or alone with a table between your teeth. Hit the floor or throw a plate!