Mediterranean Big Band (Differently)

Mediterranean Big Band (Greek: Μεσογειακή μεγάλη μπάντα; Italian: Big Band del Mediterraneo) is a form of Big Band music which uses the Big Band formula but stylizes it with Mediterranean instruments and musical styles. While Big Band consists of four sections (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section), Mediterranean Big Band mixes the jazz of the saxophones and trumpets along with native Mediterranean instruments such as the Bouzouki, accordions, castanets, and piano. The result is a stylistic mixture of Jazz and Mediterranean music.

The Andrew Sisters — The Andreas Sisters in 1943

Origins[]

Mediterranean Big Band's origins are credited to the Rhomanian musical trio the Andreas Sisters who were notable Big Band singers from the Rhomanian city of Thessaloniki. The Andreas Sisters played the nightclubs of Thessaloniki throughout the late 1920s and 1930s. While the trio were usually the most memorable part of their performances, they were usually accompanied by a big band. The exact moment Mediterranean Big Band was born is usually credited to an Andreas Sisters performance on the evening of May 9th, 1927 when Dimitri Stavrakis, a member of the Big Band, borrowed and played a Bouzouki from his friend because he accidentally forgot his trumpet at home. The odd mixture of the jazz music from the Big Band combined with Stavrakis' Bouzouki captivated the audience.

After the performance, the Andreas Sisters' Big Band began to use more native Greek instruments to create a unique style so they could attract larger audiences. This formula worked, and by 1930, thousands from across Rhomania were coming to Thessaloniki to see The Andreas Sisters and their unique Big Band style of music.

Italian singer Dino Crocetti, seeing the success of the Andreas Sisters, also began to utilize this style of Big Band and began performing in Napoli's night clubs with a mixture of jazz instruments and native Italian instruments.

Rise to popularity[]

Mediterranean Big Band began to spread out of Rhomania and Italy in the 1930s when British and American radios began to pick up on the Andreas Sisters and Dino Crocetti's songs and performances. The radio airings would become big hits and would garner millions of listeners on jazz stations. As a result. the Andreas Sisters and Dino Crocetti would become household names in North America by the 1940/1950s.

Notable performers[]

The Andreas Sisters[]

The Andreas Sisters were a Rhomanian trio of singers who are credited with inventing and popularizing Mediterranean Big Band music throughout the 1930s. They are the most famous Mediterranean Big Band singers and the trio's name has become synonymous with the style. They were active from 1925 until their eventual retirement in 1965.

The Andreas Sisters have released many songs over their 40 years career. Some of their most famous songs include "Love at First Sight" (1932), "Thessaloniki Nights" (1934), ''Marble Baby'' (1950), ''Civilization'' (1952), ''The Dolphin Shuffle'' (1955), and their cover of Richard Rodgers' "Blue Moon" (1960).

Dean Martin - publicity — Italian singer Dino Crocetti in 1960

Dino Crocetti[]

Dino Paul Crocetti (born June 7, 1917 – December 25, 1995), more commonly known as Dino Crocetti, was an Italian singer, actor, musician, comedian, and songwriter who is regarded as one of the most famous musicians of the 20th century and one of the most iconic Mediterranean Big Band artists.

Crocetti's most famous songs include Hope (1947), That's Amore (1953), Napoli Mambo (1954), Love Song (1960), Kick in the Head (1964), and South Rome Blues (1972). Unlike the Andreas Sisters who had retired by the mid 1960s, Crocetti would continue to sing and perform until he died on December 25th, 1995.

The Nafplio Pack[]

The Nafplio Pack referred to a group of singers and entertainers who came from the Rhomanian city of Nafplio and performed in the nightclubs of Thessaloniki from the 1940s through the 1970s. The Nafplio Pack was famous for expanding upon the Andreas Sisters' work and did a lot to keep Mediterranean Big Band alive and evolving throughout the mid-20th century.

The members of the Nafplio Pack included Petros Kostiadis, Giannis Gerides, Eva Floropoulou, Antony Papadopoulos, Xenofondas Christos, and Maria Athaniade.