Swedish vocals, other languages
International relevance: *
This isn't progg
in a traditional sense, but folk music by Greek born duo Takis and
Afrodite Vouis. But it is an example of how a lot of music, not
necessarily progg, was embraced by the progg movement in Sweden in the
70's, being released by MNW in their shortlived series of mini albums
(or EP's if you like although they played at 33 1/3 rpm) which also
included an extremely rare English language release by Hoola Bandoola Band. With parts of the movement infused by left wing politics,
attraction to folk music from different parts of the world where
social struggle was the order of the day quickly grew. The Latin
American situation in the 70's spawned an interest in for most notably Chilean music. Also important to note is that
since World War II up to the mid 70's, immigrants came from
Yugoslavia, Turkey, Greece, Austria and Italy to live and work in
Sweden. It's no wonder then that many musicians from perhaps
particularly Greece and Turkey played in various Swedish venues establishing (or continuing) a career, such
as Ziya Aytekin and the exceptional Maffy Falay from Turkey, and,
from Greece, Takis and Afrodite.
Takis was born
in Rhodes, while Afrodite came from Thessaloniki. Takis lived in
Sweden already in the 60's, but met his future wife in Greece where
she sang Italian opera. Takis main interest was Greek music, and
soon Afrodite changed her repertoire to traditional music and songs
written by Takis and rooted in the native traditions close to his heart. In 1971, they
both moved to Sweden where they recorded the ”Dirlada” EP the following year, with four songs in Greek and two in Swedish. Backing the couple on
the record is a band called the Rhodians, assumably consisting of
Swedish musicians although I have never been able to confirm who they
were.
”Dirlada” is
a loveable little album, with Takis' rich baryton and Afrodite's
slightly husky voice interweaving in a bunch of well executed songs
with piano, hand drums and, of course, bouzouki. The title track is a
teasingly catchy number. But the best song is ”To Taxidi”, a
moody, brooding song with Takis providing a haunting musical backdrop
with rolling guitar playing.
Greek music
might not be everybody's cup of tea, but this is indeed a nice
example of its qualities. Takis Vouis has since made several
albums, both as a solo performer and as a collaborator. I'm not sure
if he's still a Swedish resident, but I know he's been playing
concerts in Rhodes. Afrodite Vouis' whereabouts since the release of
”Dirlada” are completely unknown to me.
Full album playlist
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