Savina Yannatou - Watersong (2025)

Savina Yannatou’s fifth ECM album revolves around the theme of water in its many manifestations. Water as a blessing and a curse. A life-sustaining source and a mortal threat in the elemental power of the storm. Shakespeare’s The Tempest with the spirit Ariel’s song, “Full Fathom Five”, provided an inspirational starting point for Greek vocalist Yannatou and the Primavera en Salonico band in a project in which they are also joined by Tunisian singer Lamia Bedioui. There’s a special magic that occurs when Savina and Lamia sing together – as was already evident on Yannatou’s Terra Nostra more than 20 years ago. In the present recording Bedioui embodies the desert realm, as the Arabic language and the Bedouin dialect intersect with the languages of Mediterranean Europe and elsewhere. Songs come from many compass points and historical epochs. A traditional piece from Egypt segues into one from North Macedonia. A setting of a 10th century poem by Arab prince Abu Firas al-Hamdani is situated between a South Italian lament and a Greek carol. An Irish Gaelic song precedes a Corsican tune and Primavera En Salonico’s unique take on the African-American spiritual “Wade In The Water.” Multi-cultural in their musical passions, and daring in their stylistic juxtapositions, Savina and friends also illuminate the connections between the traditions.

Savina Yannatou - Voice
Lamia Bedioui - Voice

Primavera en Salonico

Kostas Vomvolos - Qanun, Accordion
Harris Lambrakis - Nay
Kyriakos Gouventas - Violin
Yannis Alexandris - Oud
Michalis Siganidis - Double Bass
Dine Doneff - Percussion