Tassos Spiliotopoulos

‘Ballad for a New World’ is the latest album by Greek guitarist and composer Tassos Spiliotopoulos. After establishing himself in the London Jazz scene for more than a decade, Tassos Spiliotopoulos, now based in Stockholm, has previously released an impressive body of original work including the critically acclaimed ‘In the North’ (2016) and ‘Solitude EP’ (2021). 
On ‘Ballad for a New World’ Spiliotopoulos returns to the quartet format and continues to develop his blend of modern Jazz with influences of classical, world and rock music. But this time the mood is airier and more melodic, his guitar tone darker and with the addition of multi-award-winning saxophonist Jonas Knutsson’s folk-like melodies the album takes a new direction. 
The optimism of the opening track ‘New Land’ might suggest differently but the album’s title is a reference to the current situation of pandemic, war and economic crisis we are all facing. That nostalgic, solemn mood can be heard on the title track as well as others like the mesmerizing ‘September’. It is however balanced out by surges of energy on tracks like Corridor and Corridor (part 2) as well as the travelling mood of ‘A Day to Remember’. The album concludes with a composition called ‘Through her Eyes’ where Tassos Spiliotopoulos experiments with guitar-layering to create a beautiful, melodic soundscape.

 The third album by guitarist Tassos Spiliotopoulos builds on to the modern Jazz idiom, but this time new influences from greek folk music, film music,    flamenco, blues and fusion are added to the mix.

Opting for a more intimate sound on Archipelagos (F-IRE Records) Tassos Spiliotopoulos continues to develop his compositional approach which blends contemporary Jazz with modern classical, folk and even rock fusion.

The album's eight tracks offer a guitar oriented, European sound that is both intricate and powerful while at times becomes reflective and mesmerizing. The Trio (Yaron Stavi-bass and Asaf Sirkis, drums) interprets with a range of colours, from energetic to almost brittle and strong band interplay is always at the core of their sound. 

The album also features two very special guests, guitar virtuoso John Parricelli and legendary trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.

Wait For Dusk (Konnex Records) is the debut release from Tassos Spiliotopoulos Quartet featuring Robin Fincker (Tenor Saxophone), Yaron Stavi (Bass) and Asaf Sirkis (Drums). 

 The album contains nine original compositions with a unique sound that is adventurous, atmospheric and at times cinematic. The mood is both dark and joyous, nostalgic and sometimes playful. 

 The quartet plays powerfully with fresh ideas, interaction and imaginative improvisations. Bringing together different musical experiences the group creates a new interesting and contemporary language that goes beyond tradition

Price: 10€