VA - Greek Folk Composers: Giorgos Zabetas Live (FLAC) (4 CDs BoxSet) - 1997
EAC rip | 4CD | FLAC - Log - Cue | Scans | Release: 1997 | ~ 795 MB
Genre: Greek Folk Songs, Bouzouki Instrumentals | Label: Sakkaris Records

Rare live recording of the great composer, virtuoso bouzouki player and charismatic showman, Giorgos Zabetas and his musical team, at the music-hall "Ximeromata" (Daybreak) in 1972. He was extremely popular at the time and it was very difficult for his numerous fans to reserve a table at the music-halls where he performed. The first 3 CD of the set contain the live recording. Almost 2 hours with the legendary "atmosphere" of Zabetas and his unparalleled bouzouki improvisations. The 4th CD is a superb parade of great bouzouki instrumentals by Zabetas, never released in other recordings. Enjoy a unique musical experience.
Giorgos Zabetas, Greek music composer, singer and one of the greatest bouzouki artists of all time was born in Metaksourgio of Athens, on the 25th of January 1925. His parents were Mihalis Zampetas, a barber and Marika Moraiti, niece of a well-known baritone of those years. From a very young age, Zampetas showed a great interest in music: as he was helping his father in his barber shop, he secretly played his first melodies on a bouzouki. Anything that was producing sound seemed exciting to him and helped him in his compositions, as he said in his biography not long before he died. In 1932, as a 7 year old first grader, he won his first prize, playing his first song in a school competition.

He is arguably considered as one of the most influential and charismatic bouzouki players to have ever played the instrument. He was only 6 years old when he picked up his first bouzouki. At the time his father had the bouzouki hanging on the wall of his barber shop and the young Zabetas had to stand on a stool in order to reach the instrument. He never obtained any formal musical training and he was self taught on the instrument. Zabetas quickly became renowned for his bouzouki playing skills. He composed his first song in 1952. It was titled "San simera". Throughout his illustrious career he appeared in numerous theatrical plays and motion pictures. Zabetas became seriously ill in the winter of 1992. His doctor at the time told his relatives that he was going to pass away given that he had smoked "3 factories worth of cigarettes". Zabeta never really strived for riches and fame. He always poured his entire heart and soul into his playing and his compositions. Giorgos Zabetas passed away on March 10, 1992.

TRACKLIST:

CD1: An evening at Zabeta's part1
01. The black
02. My bouzouki (To bouzouki mou)
03. Yes sir (Malista kyrie)
04. The 50 yo (O penintaris)
05. Solo bouzouki
06. The skies (I ourani)
07. Drop by drop (Stalia stalia)
08. In these roads (S' aftes tis strates)
09. Improvisation in B flat major
10. With money (Me to hrima)
11. Solo bouzouki
12. Poor district (Ftohogitonia)
13. Rebetiki serenata
14. Solo bouzouki

CD2: An evening at Zabeta's part2
01. The best student (O pio kalos o mathitis)
02. Solo bouzouki
03. Where are you Thanasi? (Pou 'se Thanasi?)
04. The last tough guy (O telefteos magkas)
05. The coffee server (O kafetzis)
06. Improvisation in B flat major
07. Flivver (Saravalaki)
08. A Greek boy loved a Greek girl (Romios agapise romia)
09. Improvisation in C major
10. O Loukas
11. The kid (Pitsirikas)
12. Under the chicory (Kato ap' to radiki)
13. Solo bouzouki

CD3: An evening at Zabeta's part3
01. The seamen (I thalasini-Pare naftaki Siriano)
02. Madalenitsa - Great eyes (Matia mou megala)
03. Secretly in a boat (Zoula se mia varka mpika)
04. With the north wind (Me to voria)
05. I will jump in the deep sea (Vathia sti thalasa tha peso)
06. I don't care (Den mou kegete karfaki)
07. When you'll receive this letter (Otan tha lavis afto to grama)
08. Giorgo Giorgaki
09. I Zaloumpa
10. Marina from Thesaloniki (Marina i salonikia)
11. Vagabond (Alitis)
12. Agony (Agonia)
13. The rain (I vroha)

CD4: Great unreleased bouzouki instrumentals
01. Cruelty (Aponia)
02. Return (Epistrofi)
03. Flows (Revmata)
04. My way (Diadromi mou)
05. Color neutral (Hroma oudetero)
06. A wole life together (Mia zoi mazi)
07. Dreams and storm (Onira ke trikimia)
08. You, sky (Ourane esi)
09. The barometer (To varometro)
10. Giorgos' bouzouki (To bouzouki tou Giorgou)
11. Together at daybreak (Ximeromata mazi)

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