The bouzouki is a prized possession, a beautiful object and a symbol of virtuosity and ‘leventia’ (fearlessness-gallantry)and for a time, one of rebellion and the criminal underground.

As an instrument today it has a high status, often seen as an ambassador of Greek music. After one of the jam nights I had attended an image came to me of a fisherman proudly holding up his bounty. You see, the moment a bouzouki player enters a room, at times it feels like everyone is waiting to see what beauty will be lifted out of the case, a promise of things to come.

The dripping paint is there to remind you that I am primarily a painter, not a historian, nor a musician. I use my expertise instead to experience my world, to explore, ask questions and create images that compel others to feel into things and imagine. One of the Bouzoukia has three strings the other four, serving to begin  telling the story of how in the 50’s an extra string was added aiding its evolution and music.

The bouzouki has travelled back and forth across the seas and evolved over time. It was a source of creativity in Rebetika music and is a symbol of triumph

”My life was all bouzouki, it took over me but it also lifted me up in the world, way up” Markos Vamvakaris (the father of the rebetiko)

Listen to me narrating a description of ‘Catch of the Day‘ accompanied by musician and fellow Rebetiko Music Jam member Spiros Vitzentzatos on bouzoouki (song credit: ‘se kenouria varka bika’ = ‘I boarded a new boat’ from Asia Minor, early 1920’s)