Piraeus Blues: Moldy Figs

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 2024-09-27

Label: Fishbowl

Piraeus Blues: Moldy Figsexplores the crossroads between the deep traditions of rebetiko and the raw soul of acoustic blues by blending these two rich traditions into a contemporary and unique sound. Featuring three original compositions and a reimagined cover of a traditional rebetiko piece, this EP o@ers a fresh interpretation of Greece’s musical roots through the lens of fingerstyle guitar and slide techniques.

Opening with intricate melodies and rhythmic interplay, the EP features “Confluence Horizons”, where a twelve-bar blues progression merges with the Nikríz drómos, creating a unique sonic blend. With Travis picking underpinning the composition, and hints of both the drómos and bebop dominant scales, this piece evokes an atmosphere of dynamic tension, drawing from both worlds of rebetiko and blues.

“Καψουρλού” and “Meliphagous Man Blues” showcase complex rhythmic structures and alternate tunings. “Καψουρλού” draws inspiration from anápodos kalamatianós interpreted with swung semiquavers, while “Meliphagous Man Blues” captures the essence of a 9/4 zeïbékikos rhythm. Both pieces integrate bottleneck techniques, with “Καψουρλού” leaning on the Sabáh drómos and “Meliphagous Man Blues” touching the Peiraiótikos drómos. The synergy between the drómoi and traditional blues progressions creates a powerful, cross-cultural dialogue.

“Μπασκίνες”, a reworking of the traditional rebetiko song “Τούτοι οι Μπάτσοι Που’Ρθαν Τώρα” transforms the original into a blues-tinged piece, keeping the spirit of its roots alive while presenting it with new lyrics and a zeïbékikos swing feel. The piece not only nods to rebetiko history but also to contemporary interpretations, with a harmonic flair inspired by past masters and the acoustic blues scene.

Recorded with a Martin 000-15 and a Dobro Model 36 “The Rose” Duolian Resophonic Guitar,Piraeus Blues: Moldy Figsmarries earthy resonance with nuanced musical technique. The influence of Dimitris Mystakidis is evident throughout, as his work in reviving the “tsibití” guitar technique laid the groundwork for these compositions. At the same time, Georges Pilali’s pioneering approach to integrating slide resonator guitar into rebetiko serves as an important reference for the more adventurous soundscapes of this EP.

With Piraeus Blues: Moldy Figs, the lines between blues and rebetiko blur, creating a fusion that is both timeless and forward-looking—a bold take on two genres steeped in tradition but brimming with untapped potential.