The Maeandros Ensemble, led by the brilliant oud (lute) player /vocalist Mavrothi Kontanis, recreates the music of the 1920s -1940s, specializing in Smyrneika and early rembetika ("Greek blues") songs which have their roots in the urban music of Constantinople (Istanbul), Smyrna (Izmir), and later Athens and Thessaloniki. The program features many songs which were originally performed by the most recognizable names of the time, including Antonios Dhiamantidis, Roza Eskenazi and Rita Abadzi, along with music from the Ottoman repertoire. Kontanis is joined by clainetist Lefteris Bournias, violinist Megan Gould, and percussionist Timothy Quigley.

For more info:
http://www.maeandros.com
http://www.myspace.com/maeandros