Bells and Winter Festivals of Greek Macedonia

by Various Artists

During Christmas and New Year's weeks of 2000-2001, Steven Feld traveled in Greece with Dick Blau and Angeliki and Charles Keil to record a CD for their book Bright Balkan Morning: Romani Lives and the Power of Music in Greek Macedonia. This CD soundscape evokes the world of Romani families in the ancient crossroads town of Iraklia (Jumaya), moving through the marketplace, the cafes and homes of the Roma neighborhood, the town church, and several New Year's parties. Throughout the trip Feld was taken by the presence of bells in the countryside, in local villages, and in winter festivals. This CD features these keynote sounds of animal bells, town and church bells, and belled festival performers interacting with Romani instrumental trios, as well as with bagpipes (gaida) and frame drums (defi).