Nana Mouskouri returns to discography with the album “Tragoudia apo ta Ellinika Nisia – Nana Mouskouri and Friends”, which translates to “Songs from the Greek islands”.
The album Songs from the Greek islands is dedicated to the Greek traditional music and includes songs performed by Haris Alexiou, Manolis Mitsias, Natassa Theodoridou, Elena Paparizou and Nikos Aliagas.
The album was released on October 13th 2011, the day of Nana Mouskouri birthday.
Nana Mouskouri wrote a note about the nisiotika songs from the Greek islands and explained why she chose to perform this type of songs.
“For fifty years now, I have been singing all kinds of music, always with love and personal interest in them: classical music, jazz, pop, ethnic music. Returning to the roots and the music tradition of Greece, I was seeking a new inspiration.
Greek traditional music is our history, our precious heritage and our identity. Through it we are born again, and through it we pump strength for our course in time, due to the values this heritage gives us.
During this course of life, each one of us returns to tradition and discovers the magic source, full of sounds, sensitivity and wisdom, from where derives all the creativity, hope and refreshment in our lives.”
When it comes to the reason that led Mouskouri collaborate with Haris Alexiou, Manolis Mitsias, Natassa Theodoridou, Elena Paparizou and Nikos Aliagas, Mouskouri explains:
“Looking back and re-listening to the songs from the islands, I went from the Aegean to the Ionian Sea and Crete and felt full of sounds and rythms, sun, waves and winds, laughter, dance, love and hope. And I felt that this lovely, vivid music is not for a single voice. I did not, thus, have the right to sing it by myself.”
Lenou, the daughter of Nana Mouskouri also participates in this album.
Moreover, the cover of the album “Tragoudia apo ta Ellinika Nisia” is created by Jean Paul Gautier and Nana says about her good friend.
“I looked for Jean Paul Gautier, because he is a beloved friend, and mostly because he adores our country, the music and our culture. I could not influence him on anything. He has his ideas, of what he knows and loves from Greece. His talent is endless, and he is truly remarkable in his art. He created the cover from scratch to the last detail, as he does with his designs as well.“
I was in Greece when Nana’s new album was released. I tried to buy it at Public’s Music Store but they could not get it. Where can I buy it and how much will I pay. Thanks.
The album is available now in stores, it’s been a week I think. I guess that you can buy it online now, but it depends where you are living. It should be available in European stores soon as well.