Explorations in the Fusion of Jazz and Greek Rebetiko Music

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.

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.