Old Greek Songs in the New Land 1923-1950: In Foreign Lands Since My Childhood

by Amalia

Overview

Amalia, whose real name was Mazaltov Matsa, obviously had to sing. A Greek born in Turkey, she immigrated to America while still 14 and within a few years was married. But her husband divorced her (and sent one of her daughters back to Greece) after she began singing professionally. These sides are culled from recordings she made in the 1920s and '40s (she didn't record during the '30s, seemingly finding performing and running illegal bars during Prohibition more profitable). Her music was very much that of the old country, sung in traditional fashion with a very traditional accompaniment -- violin, cimbalom, oud, and dumbek were often featured with her voice. The vintage recordings are definitely somewhat scratchy, but excellent mastering allows the voice and melodies to shine through. And a remarkable, commanding voice she had, too, whether in laments like "Thelo Na S'Alismonsio" or the wistful "Apo Ta Mikra Mou Hronia." It's a fascinating peek into a thriving historical subculture, showing just how vital the Greek culture was, not just in New York, but also in places like Detroit and Chicago, during the early part of the 20th century. An invaluable document. ~ Chris Nickson

Product Details

Release Date:	11/26/2002
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297704929
Rank:	187395

Tracks

1. Ali Pasha (The Leibadia)
2. Kala Kalaya Bakar (Fortress Faces Fortress)
3. T'Asteri to Lambro (The Bright Star)
4. I Thalassa (The Sea)
5. Apo Mikros Stin Xenitia (In a Foreign Land Since I Was Little)
6. Paramana Cuna Cuna (Nurse, Rock, Rock)
7. Haido Syrtos
8. Pes Mou Ti Tha Katalavis (Tell Me What You Will Gain)
9. I Vlaha I Emofi (The Beautiful Vlach Girl)
10. Thelo Na S'Alismoniso (I Want to Forget You)
11. Agrilamas Ke Psarades (The Good Host and the and Fishermen)
12. Horos Elpida Na Zo (To Live Without Hope)
13. Apo Ta Mikra Mou Hronia (From My Childhood Years)
14. To Mina Mou Hortariase (My Grave Is Overgrown With Grass)
15. Mavromata (Dark-Eyed Girl)
16. Smyrneikos Balos (Smyrna Dance)
17. Den Mou Lete Ti Na Kano (Tell Me What I Must Do)
18. Me Mi Dernas Mana (Don't Beat Me Mama)
19. Ego Gia Sena Tragouda (I Sing for You)
20. Tora Ta Poulia (Now the Birds)
21. Smyrniotiko Majore

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Amalia   Primary Artist,Primary Artist
Amalia Hanim   Primary Artist
Alexis Zoumbas   Primary Artist,Violin
Marko Melkon   Primary Artist,Oud
John Pappas   Clarinet

Technical Credits

David Soffa   Compilation Producer,Liner Notes,Producer,Photo Coloring