MP3 Viktor Mastoridis - My Greek Christmas Album

Popular Christmas Carols in Greek style, sunny end playful. Performed on Greek Bouzouki or Baglamas, these 12 tracks offer a ray of warmth and Mediterranean beauty that make the festive season even brighter.

12 MP3 Songs in this album (43:13) !
Related styles: Spiritual: Instrumental Gospel, World: Balkan, Mood: Christmas

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Details:
An album of traditional Christmas Carols in Greek style arrangements. Featuring Greek bouzouki and baglamas, as well as Greek and Balkan traditional rhythms, including odd-time signatures.

The inspirations for my Greek Christmas album are various: At first, I heard interesting and unusual Mediterranean style version of several Christmas tunes, played in the summer of 2010, during a holiday in the Balkans! That was a shocker. At the same time, a few publishers sent their reminders that unusual arrangements of the popular Christmas Carols are more than welcome. Also, working in an international school, I quickly came to realize that in Australia and New Zealand Christmas is indeed a summer festivity.
Finally, my interest in uneven rhythms: when I realized that I can actually arrange 'Deck The Halls' in 9/8 (2+2+2+3), that was the last straw. Christmas music is often joyful and playful, as Advent is one of the brightest periods in the Christian calendar. These arrangements are offered as sunny, Mediterranean and playful alternative to the more conventional ones. To be honest, transforming even into uneven time signatures and making it work is a great musical challenge and fun.

Recorded June-October 2011 in London.
Lead Instruments:
Greek bouzouki and baglamas as primary soloists.
Acoustic guitar (occasionally).
Italian mandolin in De Tierra Lejana Venimos.