The island of Crete is a part of Greece, but Chopyak pointed out that it’s also a portal.

JC: “And the music there has interacted with Turkish music and Arab music and Persian music and European music for thousands of years.

(music)

JC: “Some other parts of Europe, the traditional instruments died off some time ago. But generally speaking, in Crete, they’re still using traditional instruments, ALL of which are related to instruments found in other parts of the Middle East, Turkey, the Arab Middle East, and even as far ranging as probably parts of Central Asia and northern India.”

JC: “Now one of the things with Ross Daly that I think is interesting is that he does traditional folk music as well as his own compositions based on traditional music from that part of the world.”

Jeff: Ross Daly doesn’t sound like a Greek name.

JC: No, it’s not a Greek name. He’s actually an Englishman of Irish descent. But he’s lived in Crete and in Greece for over 30 years, and he’s a very highly respected musician there.

Ross Daly gives a free concert on Friday at noon in the Main Theatre at UC Davis. And he performs a full length concert on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall at Sac State.