Taking their name from the tiles used in the art of mosaic, Tesserae's music is a mosaic of the rich living tradition of Greek music. Their repertoire includes the classic rembetica of the 1920's and 30's (the "blues or jazz" of the Greek Urban underworld and Asia Minor refugees) and the timeless folk music (demotika) of the countryside, as well as composing music of their own. Their music has roots that go deep into the soil of the Byzantine Empire, the ancient East, and last Friday.

Tesserae plays the instruments appropriate to each style of music with the expertise that comes from years of experience, study and celebration.

Rembetica: Bouzouki, Darabuka, Defi, Bendir, Baglamas, Guitar, and vocals round out Tesserae's urban sound which has been likened to the classic "Golden Age of Rembetica."

Demotika: Clarinet, Darabuka, Defi, Bendir, Tabouras (saz), Oud, Laouto, Cretan Lyra, Guitar and vocals creates the authentic sound and feel of a Greek Village festival band (mainland or island).

You may contact Tesserae through Eric Peterson: ericp37@yahoo.com or Philip Kontos: 678-358-6604.