When poet and lyricist Manos Eleftheriou was asked to write a short autobiographical note, he wrote the following text: “I was born in 1938 in Ermoupolis, Syros. I wrote poems, short stories and lyrics for many songs. I read many books, listened to a lot of music, saw places. I met great people and m...
Gerasimos Lavranos is basically known to everyone more as a soundtrack composer and not so much as a songwriter. Indeed, some well-known Greek films from the sixties and seventies had their music composed by him. Today, we will be appreciating the more cosmopolitan creations of this great jazzman that...
Throughout the week that ends today, here at GME, we turned to the music of Epirus, a core type of Greek traditional music, and its main instrument: the Greek clarinet or clarino. Vassilis Soukas, Tassos Halkias, Giorgos Mangas, Manos Achalinotopoulos and Vassilis Saleas are the clarino instrumentalists...
Vasilis Saleas is the soloist who brought the Greek clarinet to the greatest music halls around the world. Self-taught, he inspired great composers and has managed for many years to "dress" everything he loves with his favorite musical instrument and its melodies. Vassilis Saleas, who grew up in a house...
Manos Achalinotopoulos considered by critics as the best clarinet performer of the new generation in Greece, was born and grew up in Athens. He started learning the flute and clarinet from a very early age. Manos Achalinotopoulos has travelled -playing clarinet, cawal and flutes- in more than 20 countries...
Tasos Halkias was among the most celebrated performers of Greek music in general, having a vast repertoire and command of many styles, and the music of Epirus in particular. He was born in 1914 near Ioannina in northwestern Greece. His family consisted of musicians going back to the 19th century. Halkias...
Throughout the week that starts today, here at GME, we turn to the music of Epirus, a core exemplification of Greek traditional music, and its main instrument: the Greek clarinet or clarino. The reason for our tribute: the loss of Petroloukas Halkias a few weeks ago, at the age of 90. Vasilis Soukas...
The week that ends today, here at GME, was filled with summertime vibes – the images, the scents and the melodies of relaxation by the seaside, under the sun. From Mikro to Cayetano, from Les Au Revoir to Imam Baildi, and from Kid Loco to Thanos Kalentinis, Greek music artists invite us to a cool c...
Composer Michalis Nikoloudis once told my friend and colleague Makis Gartzopoulos the following: “Instrumental music is a part of the discography that I have been serving for several years. It is of great interest, because you are addressing a world that, in addition to songs, also listens to instrumentals a...
Greek Music Express: Greek lounge: From Mode Plagal to Imam Baildi | 09.07.2025Greek summer here, our lounge music is here and GME is here as well, to invite you to one more musical adventure and to Greece itself, in case you are not already here! Our melodic luggage is full of chill-out tunes reminiscent...
George Theodosiadis was born in 1940. He studied music, piano and higher theory next to the great teachers of the National Conservatory. Theodosiadis became known for the personal style of music that he formed together with his jazz band, influenced by, among others, Latin jazz. He worked for radio,...
The week that starts today, here at GME, is dedicated to Greek chill-out music, i.e. to the songs and instrumentals that convey these precious summer vibes that go hand in hand with the sun, the sea, the scents and the flavours of this beautiful country. Today’s trip takes us to the unique soundscapes o...
Greek Music Express: TURKISH DELIGHT, GREEK CONNECTION: Nilufer and other folk voices | 04 July 2025
Nilufer is one of the most prominent performers in the history of Turkish pop. After winning prestigious competitions as a pupil, she recorded her first album at the age of just 17. With her expressive and sensual performances, Nilufer dominated the pop scene of the 1970s and the 1980s. Today, we conclude...
Today, here at GME, we continue our exploration of Turkish music with some Greek …spice by turning to Turkish folk music instrumentals. Turkish folk music is a huge field that includes popular music from the Ottoman era and influences from the cultures of Anatolia. As is the case with any complex a...
Today, it is time to celebrate the two Queens of Turkish pop, Ajda Pekkan and Sezen Aksu. There are no words to describe the popularity and status of these two divas; thankfully, their multiple collaborations with Greek artists, such as Antonis Vardis, Thanos Mikroutsikos, Haris Alexiou and Yannis Parios,...
This week, here at GME, we turn to the music of our neighbour, Turkey, and to its multiple interactions with Greek music. Turkish music is multifaceted, rich in tradition and talent, and open to many creative influences. Today, we shall be exploring the discography of my favourite Turkish band, Yeni...
The final part of our trip to Crete takes us on a tour of some of its towns and landmarks, accompanied by traditional songs and dances of the island. A syrtos with lyra? A pidihtos from the village of Anogia? Or a dynamic Pentozalis? Pick your own dance style and immerse yourself into the sheer strength...
Many of Lina’s songs reaffirm the decision of the individual to live, to survive, to positively respond to challenges. Of course, this decision is not without contradictions. Vassilis Papakonstantinou sings: “And I live, always here, and I leave so as to not view the end”. Nikolakopoulou’s call for lif...
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