Bouzouki Pioneer: 1932-1940

International CD.
Personnel: M rkos Vamvak ris (vocals); Kostas Roukounas, Soph¡a Kar¡vali (vocals, guitar, baglama); Elly Petr¡dhou, Ap¢stolos Hadzichr¡stos, Anna "Pol¡tissa" Panay  (vocals); K¢stas Skarv‚lis (guitar, spoons).Photographer: Charles Howard.Translator: Charles Howard.Unknown Contributor Role: John R.T. Davies.Twenty-three tracks, all original songs written by Vamvakaris either by himself or in collaboration with others. Twenty-three bouzouki songs at once can bring to mind the famous Monty Python cheese shop sketch, where John Cleese's patience finally snaps after five or so minutes of good-naturedly putting up with the bouzouki musicians in the background. Here you have over an hour's worth, but at least the approach does vary; most of the melodies are minor, yes, but Vamvakaris did frequently record with other singers as backup, and with guitarists to vary the texture. His vocals, too, have a sly, knowing feel. "I Plimira" is a standout, with its clinking spoon percussion backing, effective female vocal counterpoint by Anna Panaya, and unusually somber tune (about a flood disaster). ~ Richie Unterberger