Yerakina

Founded by Greek-born singer/composer/arranger Magda Giannikou (that’s her on the cover), the NYC-based Banda Magda is a pan-global outfit that usually focuses on her songs and arrangements. On their second album, however, she and her excellent band tackle mid-20th-century love songs that range from chanson (“Petite Fleur”) to Greek folk (“Yerakina”) to bossa nova (“Doralice”), while such additional elements as a string section, Northeastern Brazilian rhythms, and other deft touches give these classics a fresh coat of paint. Giannikou has a gifted musical mind, yet her breathy voice—which skillfully navigates a multitude of languages—shouldn’t be overlooked either.