Melbourne-based Greek singer-songwriter Andrew Englezos will launch his debut full-length album ‘Joy is Near to Sorrow’ at the Abbotsford Convent Oratory, performing live on Saturday, 18 November.
Recorded as a live ensemble at Dwell Ascot Vale by the album’s producer Dallas Cosmas, ‘Joy is near to Sorrow’ bridges tradition and innovation, Eastern and Western melodies, through its instrumentalists who are of Greek, Turkish, Irish, Israeli, and Afghani descent.
Englezos comes from a family with a deep-rooted musical heritage. He follows a years-long apprenticeship in the Melbourne alternative and Greek rebetika music scenes, guided by his uncles Hector Cosmas and Dallas Cosmas.
Released in August 2023, Brother to the Birds’ ‘Joy is near to Sorrow’ album aims to transport listeners “to a cinematic feast of the senses, with each song a vignette of memory; From the dervish blur of Cretan streets to the hillsides of Turkey, to the shorelines of The Middle East.”
The album culminates four singles: ‘ Wildflowers’, ‘Forbidden Places’, ‘Dark Clouds’ and ‘Hemisphere’.
The launch concert will feature an eight-piece ensemble of acclaimed Melbourne musicians, including Yuval Ashkar on oud and cumbus, Matt Stonehouse on Middle Eastern percussion, Phil Carroll on ney and accordion, George Athanasakos on clarinet, Katerina Stevens on violin, Dervish Halis on acoustic and electric saz, Notis Karidakis on bouzouki and Englezos playing guitar and saz.
This musical journey references historical events, such as the stories of citizens who fought in the Battle of Crete.
Supper will be provided on the night by Meals With Impact, an organisation dedicated to creating culturally relevant food relief for local communities whilst providing employment opportunities to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
When: Saturday 18 November, 6:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Where: Abbotsford Convent, 1 Saint Heliers Street Abbotsford, VIC 3067 Australia
Tickets: https://shorturl.at/uAFU8
