Vinicio Capossela
Rebetiko Gymnastas

THE REVIEW

"Viva il mare per cantare, viva il mare per cantare..."

First Chapter. The Capossela archaeologist/anthropologist.

Forever open to the search for the roots of Civilization, to historical culture, to the scents of places, Vinicio Capossela has adapted his modus operandi to the ancient musical traditions (but not only) of the territory, diving into popular songs, lullabies, nursery rhymes, litanies, and even ancient instruments now out of use.

This time, he calls upon some Greek musicians accustomed to playing it, the rebetiko, partnering them with his "senators" (notably Alessandro "Asso" Stefana and Marc Ribot) and pulls together this project that he had kept closed in the drawer, waiting for the right opportunity.

Second Chapter. The Capossela sociologist.

And the occasion arises.

This album indeed makes its appearance at a rather delicate moment for Greece and for Europe, an economic crisis, and even more, a cultural one that sinks the human being with utterly implausible processes. The current moment of impotence thus leads to a reconciliation with one's land, establishing oneself as a dynamic people, and recovering simple values from the past.

Let's not forget those who gave us civilization! Let's rebel against those who want to reduce us to passive and compliant subjects!

Third Chapter. The Capossela arranger.

Of the fourteen tracks, seven are revisited in a "rebetika" style from songs of his early albums, six are covers, and only one is a genuine new creation, entirely his own.

However, the listening is exciting, compelling, certainly not akin to something already heard, already lived. His great skill in rearranging the pieces with meticulous solutions revives them in a modern key while simultaneously linking them to a very ancient musical tradition (in this case, Greek).

In summary, I would not exactly define this release as a new addition to his extensive discography, but the author seems never to miss a beat and the product turns out quite enjoyable.

Inside the booklet, we find the lyrics of the songs translated into Greek and some gym exercises to keep both mind and body in shape.