Alexis Zoumbas ‎/ ALEXIS ZOUMBAS

Violinist Alexis Zoumbas emigrated from the mountains of northern Greece to NYC in the 1910s, where he recorded with the great Marika Papagika before cutting his own instrumental sessions with small string ensembles. Zoumbas had the rare gift of expressing emotion clearly and urgently through his instrument, and his violin feels like an extension of his heart, soul, and the deep musical history of his faraway home in Epirus. His music carries the feeling of Xenatia, a Greek word that roughly translates to “a catastrophic longing for home.” This mournful sound made him popular among homesick Greeks in early 20th-century America, and speaks to anyone who has felt that loss.

Zoumbas’ original recordings were recently uncovered in pristine condition and have been restored in incredibly clear and present sound quality. This new compilation features previously unissued takes and stunning solo improvisations. LP and digital versions include an 8 page booklet with extensive biographical notes and unreleased photos, and is co-released by Orpheum Phonograph, Olvido Records, and Mississippi Records.

*Please note: this is a new production with unique and previously unreleased songs, art, and liner notes, and is entirely unrelated to the “Lament For Epirus” compilation (Angry Mom, 2014), which we wholeheartedly recommend.