Today’s song will not be for everyone, but it shows how rebetiko survives and thrives almost 100 years after its prime era.
Psarantonis is a wonderful and groundbreaking Cretan lyra player and singer, the brother of the great Nikos Xylouris. Both are among Crete’s favourite sons. Psarantonis’s contribution to Cretan music is immense but his singing style — sometimes breathy, sometimes brash, always interesting and emotional — is an acquired taste. (I love it.)
In 2021, Psarantonis recorded an album of the rebetiko songs he loves, accompanied primarily by Giannis Paximadakis. Arabian Girl was first recorded in 1936 by Rosa Eskenazi (who is credited with writing the lyrics for the song, which is listed as “traditional”). This recording shows rebetiko reimagined, combining the Asia Minor sound of the original with a distinct Cretan feel.
(The photo above is one I took when I was fortunate to meet Psarantonis by chance is a music store in Iraklion, Crete.)
Leave a Reply