Savina Yannatou: O Yannis kai O Drakos

Greek singer Savina Yannatou can do some amazing things with her voice. This track, ostensibly dealing with dragon slaying (sorry, my Greek is a little rusty), showcases her instrument against a simple backdrop of acoustic bass, violin and accordion. Yannatou sings melodies that swoop up from their anchor notes as if taking flight. With childlike chirps, shimmering melodies, whispers and shrieks, my ears thought of Joanna Newsome, Diamanda Galas and Meredith Monk. Now there is an eclectic combination!

What's quite amazing about the progression of this piece is that it obviously tells a musical story, even if the words remain opaque to most listeners.