Explorations in the Fusion of Jazz and Greek Rebetiko Music by Campbell, Constantine R.;

Short description:

This book offers an account of a research-led hybridity experiment in creative practice that fuses jazz and Greek rebetiko. It traces the history and nature of jazz fusion—or hybridity—with a view to understanding its significance for the genre of jazz, while situating the rebetiko-jazz fusion experiment within it.

Long description:

Explorations in the Fusion of Jazz and Greek Rebetiko Music offers an account of a research-led hybridity experiment in creative practice that fuses jazz and Greek rebetiko. It traces the history and nature of jazz fusion—or hybridity—with a view to understanding its significance for the genre of jazz while situating the rebetiko–jazz fusion experiment within it.

The author adopts a similar historical approach to Greek rebetiko music and its nature in order to pay homage to its traditions, heritage, and musicians. In particular, he advances an invitation to embrace its spirit and learn from its mechanisms for the purposes of hybridity. The book then guides readers through wider issues related to the politics of fusion, including genre, authenticity, appropriation, and transculturation. Finally, this text offers an exegesis of creative practice, describing the inspiration, methods, processes, and outcomes of this rebetiko–jazz fusion experiment.
It culminates in twelve original compositions, which have been performed and recorded across two albums. Recordings are signposted throughout the manuscript. The author concludes with a personal note, reflecting on his
creative practice as a glocalised expression of both jazz and rebetiko.

This original book is a valuable resource for postgraduate students who are interested in jazz fusion, rebetiko, or especially research-informed creative practice.

"Constantine R. Campbell’s Explorations in the Fusion of Jazz and Greek Rebetiko Music is a wide-ranging, original, and valuable contribution to the study of Greek rebetiko music and to the broader field of fusion. For those unfamiliar with the Greek urban music known as rebetiko (plural rebetika), Campbell’s book offers a detailed history of its development. As a jazz musician his approach to both styles is not only scholarly and well-documented; it is fresh and entertaining. Not only does he talk about the fusion of two styles of music he plays; he provides links to his own surprising, often exciting performances and compositions. This is a book that should appeal not only to anyone interested in Greek popular music, but to lovers of jazz fusion in its manifold permutations."

Gail Holst-Warhaft, Ithaca, New York, USA

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction  2. Literature on Jazz Fusion and Rebetiko  3. Jazz Fusion—Glocalised Transcultural Hybridity  4. Rebetiko—The Troubled Soul of Greece  5. The Politics of Fusion  6. Explorations in the Fusion of Jazz and Rebetiko  7. Conclusion