Fasl-i Rembetiko

Deep currents are crossing the blue Aegean – the Greek economic crisis and the Turkish ascent are altering old balances, and for the first time in decades the Greek community in Istanbul is increasing its numbers, simply because the chance of a job is much better. Stelyo Berber is an Istanbul-based Greek deeply steeped in this complex culture; he's also a well-known musician and researcher, who has worked with luminaries such as Muammer Ketencoğlu and coordinated the masterful Songs of Pontus compilation, also on Kalan. This CD benefits fully from Berber's rich background and is the result of several years of work with his Café Aman Istanbul band. These performances and arrangements are heartfelt and energetic, giving new life to classic songs – despite the fact that these are famous songs that almost any musician in Istanbul can trot out at will. ‘Telegrafin Tellerine’, for instance, (Birds on the Telegraph Wires) was recently sung by the Galatasaray fans after winning the championship to taunt arch rivals Fenerbahçe, the ‘Canaries’.

Every song has its own groove and special attention has been given to the precise rendition of the different rhythms, hasapikos and zeybekikos. The group are true to the makam (melodic modes) considered essential by Vamvakaris to true rebetika music. A standout track in this respect is the rendition of the classic song of exile, ‘San Apokliros Girizo’. Berber and his wife Pelin alternate vocals in Turkish and Greek, while Erdem Şentürk and Serkan Halili provide imaginative solos on oud and kanun and Neyzen Özsari gives a jazzy drive on the bass. This is already global music – tango rhythms mix with Arabic influences in ‘Gülbahar’ – brought to life by a group of dedicated, creative musicians.