Record Reviews

TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ IN THE NORTH ANELIA 002 (Barcode: 190394049126) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by the Greek guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and his first since he left London (where he lived for a dozen years) for Stockholm. It is recorded in a quartet setting with three Swedish musicians: saxophonist Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist, bassist Palle SollingerFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Spiliotopoulos. The music floats between contemporary Jazz and Fusion, with clear melodic motifs and relaxed, lyrical atmosphere. The electric guitar emphasizes the Fusion association, although the contemplative nature of this music is definitely not of the usual Fusion shade. Also the presence of strong ethnic elements, Greek but also others like Middle Eastern and Scandinavian, take the music also into the World Music idiom. Overall there is a diverse collection of influences, which amalgamates into a fascinating musical coat of many colors. Spiliotopoulos works very amicably with the Swedish musicians, who support him all the way through. His solos are all always full of splendid displays of his feel and technique. Hulten often plays the themes unisono with him and then they separate, each to play his own solo. The rhythm section handles the complex melody and tempi shifts without a hiccup, being there behind the two soloists at all times. The album has many wonderful moments and on the whole should satisfy all listeners of Fusion and beyond. This is definitely an album worth investigating and Spiliotopoulos is a musician worth being followed, judging from his career and achievements so far. So please remember his name and support his music every way you can.

Updated: 26/02/2016Posted: 13/02/2016

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