XCLUSIVE! Trilogy of the Greek Blues

This week in Xclusive! 

 The award winning music duo Martha and Eve (formally of Donna and Kebab) are keeping very busy this Autumn; the popular pair have been spearheading a trilogy of events to celebrate the wonderful music genre of “Rembetika”, a style of music that years after it’s inception, still moves, rouses, celebrates, and is undoubtedly interwoven within our very heritage.

Fresh from Martha and Eve’s recent successful run of the “Rembetika and Beyond” live shows at London’s Millfield Theatre and the Komedia in Brighton last month, in aid of The Leukaemia Cancer Society (of which they are patrons);  an album, tour and cinema screening are all part of their trilogy project showcasing the magic of Rembetiko.

 Phase two of the trilogy encompassed the release of “Homage to Roza”; the much-anticipated new album by Martha D Lewis, featuring contemporary remakes of classic rembetiko songs. The album is inspired by the repertoire of iconic Greek-Jewish singer Roza Eskenazi, the ‘Queen of Rembetika’, whose legacy has had a far-reaching influence extending even to the theme tune of Pulp Fiction and continues to influence blues in the States with collaborations taking place today between famous rembetiko musicians and blues and jazz artists. Martha’s new interpretation of Roza’s music provides a stimulating new contribution to the margins and borders of world music. The album, released on Monday 27th October will be taken on tour, premiering at the prestigious London Jazz Festival on 23rd November 2014 at Kings Place London where renowned classic musicians from the jazz and world music scene will join Martha onstage. On the album itself, Martha is accompanied by legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette on the track that’s perhaps rembetiko’s greatest legacy – “Misirlou”. 

Also known as the “Greek Blues” – rembetiko originated in Smyrna, Turkey, from the 1920s onwards. Like other urban subcultural musical forms – such as the Blues, Fado and Tango – rembetiko grew out of particular urban circumstances and evolved to reflect the harsh realities of marginalized communities at that time, inspired by the experiences of refugees, the unemployed, impoverished and criminal underclass.

Martha’s “Homage to Roza” album follows her involvement with Roy Sher’s award-winning international feature documentary “My Sweet Canary” about the life of Roza Eskenazi. The film follows the exuberant musical journey of three young musicians – Mehtap Demir, Tomer Katz and Martha D Lewis – as they explore the history of rembetiko music and travel to London, Jerusalem, Istanbul, Thessaloniki and Athens, tracing the musical journey that Roza Eskenazi made in her life.

The UK premiere, in aid of the Leukaemia Cancer Society, takes place this Thursday 6th November. It will be followed by a UK release by Cineworld in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Brighton from 7th November 2014, opening the doors to local communities. Be sure to get yourselves down there and support this great venture!

 The documentary has already been screened worldwide throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, India and Europe to great critical acclaim. To view the trailer to the documentary visit: My Sweet Canary Trailer

The album “Homage To Roza” by Martha D Lewis is available to buy at Amazon and ITunes.

That’s all for now ~ More music and entertainment XCLUSIVES next week!

Until then… x Mwah

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Catch all the latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show: ‘Young & Connected ~ Scandalous! Two hours of unadulterated Modern Greek hits; 1st for new music, celebrity gossip, chart news, interviews and of course listener’s special requests and dedications! Not to mention a few surprises along the way! Live on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk on Tuesdays 8-10pm. SCANDALOUS!

If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: via email:katsmusiq@gmail.com   / Facebook: Kat Neocleous / www.kat-whispers.blogspot.co.uk