Record Reviews

ASAF SIRKIS ~ SHEPHERD`S STORIES STONED BIRD 003 (Barcode: 680569811257) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is an excellent album by Israeli (living in London) drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Greek guitarist Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist, both also living in London. Several guest musicians are featured on selected tracks. The album contains eight original compositions, all written by Sirkis. Musically the album broadly belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, although it also amalgamates other influences, mostly folkloristic and ambient themes. There is a strong presence of melodic elements, most rather melancholic and somewhat mystical, which create an atmosphere of reflection and serenity. And yet the music is full of dynamics and drive, both on the low-key tracks and obviously on the up-tempo numbers. All these musicians are clearly masters of their trade. Spiliotopoulos plays some incredible licks, which could cause even the most famous guitarists to miss a heartbeat. His flow and apparent virtuosity are especially effective on the up-tempo numbers, where his performances sound similar to those of Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, without any attempt to copy them of course. Stavi is a very intelligent and proficient bassist, and his solid bass lines serve as the foundation upon all the music is based. He is also beautifully melodic and hassle-free. Sirkis, whom I know since his very early days as a drummer, became a Master of his trade, playing some amazing rhythmic patterns but always emphasizing the melody as well. His rolling technique is simply breathtaking, as is his ability to play forcefully and yet unobtrusively at once is truly sublime. This is an album for people who love guitar-based instrumental music, but don´t expect and razzle-dazzle neck-breaking trickery, ready to enjoy some elegant and meaningful music. This album promises to grow on the listener with time, always uncovering new vistas with every visit.

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ ARCHIPELAGOS F-IRE 32 (Barcode: 5060092193221) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the second album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with his customary cohorts at the time: Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, both also resident in London. Two guest musicians appear, each on one track only: guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist and legendary (sadly no longer with us) trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who plays a brilliant solo like only he could. The album presents eight original tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. Spiliotopoulos is certainly one of the most original voices among contemporary guitarists, playing and composing in a completely unique style which is incomparable with any other guitar player that I have heard and immediately recognizable. Considering the fact that there are countless guitar players out there, his individuality is already a great asset. Combined with his virtuosic abilities, it makes Spiliotopoulos a phenomenon worth following. The music is a sort of Jazz-Rock Fusion, mostly sonically, as the actual melodies are way more delicate and complex than the average Fusion production, full of beautiful melancholy and intrinsic Mediterranean peace of mind. Spiliotopoulos, Stavi and Sirkis fir together ideally, as documented also on other recordings they are all featured on, and it shows. The interplay and camaraderie present here are simply marvelous. Overall this is a beautiful album recorded by three Master musicians, which proves that Jazz-Rock Fusion has still something to offer when taken seriously. Wholeheartedly recommended, and if you can find a copy grab it ASAP.

Updated: 11/03/2016Posted: 11/03/2016

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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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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ WAIT FOR DUSK KONNEX 5166 (Barcode: 4017867031210) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is the debut album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with French saxophonist Robin FinckerFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, all three also resident in London. The album presents nine tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. The music belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, although it is much more complex and sophisticated than most Fusion recordings, with excellent melodic themes and extended improvisations. The flow and grace of these tunes is delightful and the album is one continuous fun to listen to from start to finish. Spiliotopoulos has a unique approach to guitar playing and although the guitar is the most common instrument in music today, his tone, fingering and phrasing are truly extraordinary, which is true only in very few cases. It is hard to say if this is a result of his Greek roots and the omnipresent bouzouki dominance in Greek music, but there is something that makes him immediately to stand out after hearing just a few notes. The leader gets excellent support from his cohorts, all highly professional players of great talent. Fincker plays some admirable solos and supports Spiliotopoulos by playing unisono passages on the melody intros and of course the rhythm section is a dream team, which turns any album they are on into a joyous occasion. This is a most impressive debut recording, introducing a superb guitarist, which is definitely worth to be followed as he should get far with his music and his virtuosic abilities as a player. The album is now out of print but if anyone can get hold of a copy, it is certainly highly recommended.

Updated: 08/04/2016Posted: 08/04/2016

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