Title: Lavra Konstantis Kourmadias Type: CD Label: Lavramusic Code: 1013 Release date: 2019 Musicians: Kostantis Kourmadias Saz, Violin, Yaylı Tambur, Komboloi, Vocals Laura Shannon Bendir, Daïre, Spoons, Zills, Vocals Nikolas Angelopoulos Lafta, Laouto, Guitar, Chorus Ruth Hill Kanonaki Christos Danakis Gaida, Kaval, Chorus Fontas Poulos Bouzouki, Vocal Alexis Nonis Doumberleki, Daouli, Stamna, Zills Lisa Stearns Banjo Michael Craig Harmonica The songs on Lavra are new compositions by Kostantis Kourmadias, played on traditional instruments and following the structures and modes of Greek traditional music. The arrangements are built around the powerful, subtle and complex sound of the tambouras (saz), restoring this beautiful and simple instrument to its rightful place at the centre of Greek traditional music. Kostantis Kourmadias' deeply poetic lyrics express a range of emotions including love and celebration, despair at the troubles of the world, and finally a celebration of the sacred places where we find hope. You can dance to almost all the songs: Sta Tria, Syrtos, Kalamatianos, Maniatikos, Jeni Jol, and Karsilamas. The word ‘Lavra’ has several meanings: a narrow footpath, a remote monastery, and the laurel tree sacred to the Pythia of Delphi. In the title song, it’s the name of the boat that comes to rescue us in time of need: The CD takes its name from the song Lavra: ‘Even if you've been pushed into a black hell / By those who are stronger You are a flower of the world / With a little sun, you will blossom Follow the footsteps of Persephone Come into the light Far from the shadow of evil / The river will take you The boat, the Lavra, has a red thread tied to her prow She has all the stars above her mast, and doesn’t fear the winds. You are the Lavra, with a red thread tied to your prow...’ The ‘red thread tied’ is the traditional Greek opening for a fairy tale. Come, let us listen together. Once upon a time... Titles   1. Sunrise 2. Tamarisk 3. Dreams 4. Kindness 5. Rose of the heart 6. Lavra 7. Salt of the earth 8. Dance of the goddess 9. Kiourdi Karsilamas 10. Like a fairy tale 11. Uprooting 12. Nihavent karsilamas 13. madness of the wind 14. Its time to go 15. Little tamarisk