Next we are heading to the west of the island beginning in the Lefka Ori Mountain range near Chania. It is this region that his home to a distinct vocal tradition called Rizitika, which traditionally was performed by men a capella. Singer and composer Xanthoula Dakovanou is actually from Athens, but she has just released an album inspired by Cretan vocal traditions called Rizituals, giving the songs female voices and adding instrumentation. Here's a song from that album called Rizituals Sousta featuring some stunning landscapes:
Heading back towards Heraklion we stop in the village of Anogeia, which is home to the Xylouris family, which has several great musicians. Starting with the most contemporary member, singer and Cretan laoto player Giorgos 'George' Xylouris, also known as Psarogiogis. When touring with his father composer and Cretan lyra player Antonis (known as Psarantonis) in Australia he met Australian drummer Jim White and together they formed Xylouris White combining traditional Cretan sounds with free jazz and avant rock. Giorgios now spends time between Australia and Crete. Here is a song from their 2018 album Mother called Only Love:
And here is some archival footage of 3 members of the Xylouris family playing together:
Father Antonis, known as Psarantonis, was born in 1939 and is still active. He is known for his distinct gravelly voice. Here is a thought provoking piece by him called Greenhouse Effect:
Cretan laoto player Yiagos Hairetis is also from Anogeia. He got together with English experimental harpist Maria-Christina Harper (great name for a harpist!) to form the duo Hairetis Harper to create a fusion of Cretan music and London avant-garde jazz. Here is a song from their 2020 debut album Draft called Bell. Note how all the men from the region appear to have long hair and a beard, I'd fit right in!
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