Michalis Terzis stands as one of the foremost contemporary Greek composers on the scene, with perhaps only his forebear
Mikis Theodorakis holding a higher slot in public regard. On this, his 12th international release, the focus is more on the vocalists chosen to surround him than on the compositions themselves. Backed by an orchestra and
Terzis himself on piano, various Greek notables make their way through the album.
George Dalaras, a singer since the '70s (including a stint with
Theodorakis), performs the opening number ably. The somewhat more contemporary
Glykeria makes an appearance with a new composition and a breathy, almost Arabic delivery, and
Dalaras returns, this time in an operatic-styled duet with
Dimitra Galani.
Glykeria makes another appearance, with an instrumental opening that could have come from a Greek
Eagles cover band (think "Hotel California" on a bouzouki), and another drawn-out ballad comes courtesy of
Galani. The firmly contemporary Cypriot superstar
Anna Vissi contributes an uptempo piece, and
Glykeria makes another appearance. The album plods along with ballad after ballad, many seemingly from the realm of film music, with little real excitement. Toward the end, however, a few gifts come to the listener courtesy of a couple of instrumental pieces led by
Terzis' piano and a rare piece in which
Terzis himself takes on the vocal duties, infusing just a touch of what might be
Carlos Gardel's style into his delivery. For fans of
Terzis, or indeed contemporary Greek vocal music, this one is likely a good pick. Others may wish to look for less mainstream acts or more exploratory singers (
Kristi Stassinopolou being a good choice). ~ Adam Greenberg