"Greek Belly Dance in the USA (1955-1967 Recordings)" : A Review by Aziza Al-Tawil

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Wow! How do I say this? Just a great collection of songs, many of which I'm already familiar with through my background in belly dance as a child performer in the "heyday"and from a massive collection of authentic old world record albums accumulated by my mother, NYC belly dancer Johanna. Had the pleasure of seeing quite a few of these artists in person, "live," either from the "audience" perspective or even as the main attraction myself (Anestos Athanasiou was not only a dear friend of the family, but was almost my "Stepfather" and was even my accompanist on several occasions). Yes, "Gyftos" Athanasiou is here as well as many others that made that wonderful era so indeed "wonderful."

You'll hear Jimmy Linardos and Gus Vali. Her name is spelled different here but the cd includes two tracks from my favorite Greek singer Rena Dalia. My mother Johanna worked the "Britannia" club with her. A truly beautiful and distinctive voice.

Petros Kalyvas and Saleas were cousins. Hear them along with Halkias representing the type of clarinet playing that inspired many a "sinewy" move during the Tsifte Telli.

"Oh, Passas" features the almost "Hot Canary" style of Middle Eastern "fiddlin" that Freddy Elias made a name for himself with along with his oft compatriot in music Buddy Sarkissian.

Any belly dance student or aficionado in today's world should check this cd out and let it transport them to a time when the scene was not just "Egypt Centric." Songs, like "Hicaz Tsiftetelli," "Maharajah," "Arapines," "Zenouba," "Tsigana Mou," and "Sylvana" were staples..

We even have a track by Tassos Mavris - a regular around 8th Ave. and "The Feenjon" farther downtown. Tassos, God Rest his soul, showed my mother Johanna how to play finger cymbals.

Always understand with a lot of "Public Domain" re-issues that sometime the names of artists get mixed up or not mentioned at all. At first glance this collection seems to be right as far as credits. "Maharajah" and "Sylvana" sound very much like versions from one of my old albums by "Dimitri and his Ensemble." Have to do a comparison-have another listen, etc. to really tell you if they are the same.

Yet, any time a collection like this comes forth to give younger people a "feel" for what the "Greektown" belly dance scene sounded like it is surely an exciting and good thing. Luckily, there seems to be more and more being released now. This one is an extremely well rounded compilation and I can't wait to add it to my digital music library. (P.S. If you want the Jimmy Linardos belly dance routine you have to purchase the entire album).

The link to order is here:
Greek Belly Dance in USA (1955-1967 Recordings)

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