Monsieur Doumani
Sikoses (Monsieur Doumani, 2015)
Greek Cypriot folk innovators Monsieur Doumani are back with another outstanding contemporary recording rooted in the island’s traditions. Sikoses, released this year, features the talented trio from Nicosia. Sikoses is a Greek Cypriot term that refers to the end of carnival, the last day of indulging and meat consumption before Lent.
Throughout Sikoses, Monsieur Doumani reconfigure folk music by using rock guitar-style riffs played on a traditional instrument called tzouras (a cousin to the popular bouzouki), unexpected trombone, flutes, trance-like loops on one piece and vocal harmonies.
The pieces are a mix of traditional Cypriot melodies and originals by Antonis Antoniou. Although the songs feature vocals, Monsieur Doumani leaves plenty of space for musical passages featuring mesmerizing flute and tzouras solos, improvisations and idiosyncratic arrangements.
The lineup includes Demetris Yiasemides on flute, trombone and vocals; Angelos Ionas on acoustic guitar and vocals; and Antonis Antoniou on tzouras, vocals and electroacoustic manipulation.
Monsieur Doumani is even better on Sikoses. The group has matured and delivers a superb collection of contemporary Cypriot folk music.
Buy Sikoses and the group’s debut album, Grippy Grappa in North America.
Buy Sikoses in Europe
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
