MYSTAKIDIS DIMITRIS - AMERIKA

The guitar and the Greek blues

To mark the special technique of "tsimpitis' guitar and whimsical plays Katsaros of Dushan and Kostis, Dimitris Mystakidis modifies and re-executes in his own personal way, Rebetika songs played live and released only in America.

The Greek Blues

 The "tsimpitis" guitar technique began and developed in America in the early 20th century by Greek immigrants musicians Giorgos Katsaros and Dusan Costas (or Gkousia) and in Greece by Kostas Bezos (a. Kostis). The genius and the adaptability of these popular musicians lead their art in the streets unexplored: influenced by the fingerpicking technique of African American blues musicians, adopt any specific open tunings to find in America, creating an original manner of execution. The melodies of the homeland, but also their own compositions, acquire new sound through the neighborhoods of the new world.

History repeats itself

The pain of separation, the long and arduous journey to America, the struggle for survival and adaptation, marginalization, illegalities, the longing and the dream of return, spend as motion pictures through the songs on the album. Their music, but Dorian woven skillfully, spells sorrows, recall memories and generates emotions.

Nearly a century since then, Greece is experiencing a deep crisis and a new wave of immigration. Many young and educated Greeks are forced to seek their fortune abroad. At the same time refugees and immigrants from the Middle East are trapped in Greece, in the course of their journey to northern Europe.