This instrumental piece, “Taksideftis tou Erota (Traveler of Love)” is the first single by Avraam Avramidis and it is an improvisation using two Cretan Lutes. After listening to this, I did a quick research and discovered that Cretan music is not to be confused with Greek music. Yes, I too know that the Cretans are Greeks but apparently, calling their music Greek music is considered an understatement of the sheer beauty and matchlessness of Cretan music. From what I’ve learned, Cretan music is an altogether different story. Apparently the Cretan instruments are almost all peculiar to this island and many of them are not used anywhere except Crete. I read somewhere that Antonis Xylouris (probably better known as Psarantonis, a well-known representative of Cretan music), believes that music cannot be taught. He learned the notes but they never seemed useful to him. “There are no schools that can teach music,” he says. “Everyone can go to a music teacher to learn the notes, and become a musician. But not everyone can become an artist! One is born an artist. He has feelings and creates music from them. I never play a song exactly in the same way. If I play it again one time, it will not be the same. I decorate it, different each time. Every time I bring it further. Music is very long, it’s kilometers. Don’t listen to those who draw dots on a paper or to others who read them!” Avraam Avramidis’ tuneful melody, “Taksideftis tou Erota (Traveler of Love)”, somehow reminded me of that statement; Not least because the song is improvised, lending itself perfectly to spontaneous artistic creation, where Avramidis proves himself to be more than competent. Shamefully my knowledge of the Cretan Lute is much closer to zero than should be permitted, which inhibits my zest to describe the technical intricacies of Avramidis’ performance. However my ears are capable of perceiving the fact that “Taksideftis tou Erota (Traveler of Love)”, is a single to be savored, like a glass of fine vintage wine, and, although you could listen to it at low levels and still find it quite appealing, I recommend a much higher volume, perhaps using headphones, to best capture the depth and beauty of Mr. Avramidis’ playing and to not miss the intricacy and nuance of his virtuosity. Let Avraam Avramidis serenade you with the beautiful tone of his unadorned Cretan Lute and be transported to an ambiance of serenity. This is the kind of music that simply relaxes and soothes the soul. It will put you in a very tranquil aura when nothing else does. Give it a try! "Jamsphere.com, 2014 Review"