S08.E10 – This video of the Vlatos Jazz event captures a vibrant and soulful performance set against the rustic charm of Vlatos, Crete. The scene opens with the stage bathed in stark monochrome, emphasizing the textures of the instruments and the expressive movements of the musicians. Master saxophonist Duke Guillaume, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, takes center stage, his presence commanding yet warm. His saxophone gleams under the stage lights, its curves and keys popping in the high-contrast visuals, creating a dramatic focal point.The rhythm section is introduced first, setting the tone with a tight, groovy foundation. Stefan Olofsson on piano lays down intricate chords, his fingers dancing across the keys with a crisp clarity that the black-and-white palette accentuates, giving each note a visual weight. Lefteris Papadakis on bass delivers a deep, resonant pulse, his upright bass standing tall in the frame, its dark silhouette grounding the ensemble. Giannis Paterakis on drums adds dynamic flair, his sticks a blur of motion, the high contrast amplifying the energy of his rhythms as cymbals shimmer in sharp white bursts.Duke Guillaume steps forward to lead with one of his original compositions, a piece that blends fresh jazz and soul vibes with a modern edge. The camera captures close-ups of his saxophone, the keys glinting as he weaves intricate melodies, his body swaying with the music’s flow. The high-contrast effect heightens the emotional intensity, casting deep shadows that mirror the soulful depth of his playing. The rhythm section locks in seamlessly, their interplay a visual and sonic dance of light and dark tones.Next, the band shifts to a “golden oldie,” a classic jazz standard that brings a nostalgic warmth to the set. Maria Manousaki joins on violin, her entrance a striking moment as her bow cuts through the air, the strings catching the light in sharp relief. Her playing adds a lyrical, soaring quality, the high contrast emphasizing the delicate yet powerful strokes of her bow. The ensemble’s chemistry is palpable, with the black-and-white aesthetic lending a timeless, almost cinematic quality to the performance, evoking the feel of a classic jazz club.The set closes with an all-time classic, a rousing number that brings the house down. The camera pans across the stage, capturing the musicians’ expressions—Duke’s focused intensity, Stefan’s subtle grin, Lefteris’s steady groove, Giannis’s rhythmic drive, and Maria’s passionate flourishes. The high-contrast visuals amplify the energy, with bright highlights on the instruments and deep shadows creating a moody, immersive atmosphere. The crowd, though not always visible, can be felt through the music’s infectious swing, leaving a lasting impression of a night filled with jazz magic.
Tag: Duke Guilliaume
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Duke Guilliaume Soul Jazz Trio – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025
August 31, 2025 @ 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm EEST
From Harlem’s streets to our ancient stage
Duke Guilliaume Soul Jazz Trio – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025 “Get ready to feel the soul of New York crash into Crete’s mountains! Saxophone maestro Duke Guilliaume and his Soul Jazz Trio are hitting Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025 with a sound that’s pure fire – think gritty jazz grooves meets smooth, soulful vibes. Straight from Harlem’s streets to our ancient stage, Duke’s horn will wail, his trio will swing, and the White Mountains will never be the same. This is jazz with heart, grit, and a transatlantic twist – don’t miss it!”
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Duke Guilliaume – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025 Duke is a NYC-based saxophonist, bandleader, composer, arranger and producer. A native of Port Au Prince, Haiti, raised in Brooklyn, NY, Duke grew up with music, playing in his family’s wind ensemble, his father’s church and school bands. His father, Rev. Maurice Guillaume, was a trumpet, baritone horn, and accordion player, and a significant influence in Duke’s musical development.
While honing his skills, Duke worked as a manager for Sam Ash Music and was introduced to many great musicians. He began playing with some of these musicians, expanding his repertoire and refining his craft. His love for the saxophone and for all musical genres helped establish him as a player performing with a wide range of artists, including: Brian McKnight, Michael Bolton, Liza Minelli, and gospel music greats the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters and Tye Tribbett.
Duke’s passion for jazz, swing and gospel propelled him to fuse all three styles and bring together a group of elite musicians to form the Metropolitan Gospel Big Band. The idea first came to him when he heard Ralph Carmichael’s big band arrangement of the song, “He’s Everything to Me”. Duke’s father had taught him a traditional version. Hearing this swing rendition was a defining moment, inspiring him to create MGBB. His vision for a spiritually moved jazz sound has been influenced by icons such as Coltrane, Glenn Miller, Ellington and Basie, while upholding its own signature musical style. Their performances have been called “a mind-expanding, spirit-lifting experience,” * and have delighted audiences throughout the world at concert halls, festivals, Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, Swing 46 and other acclaimed venues. They’ve brought their distinctive sound to church services, offering unique arrangements of recognizable worship songs, “giving musical praise a whole new dimension.” *
The key inspiration and muse behind Duke’s compositions and performances – whether solo, ensemble or MGBB – is a deep personal desire to connect with his audience and provide a meaningful experience for each person. He describes his goal simply: “I want my music – my playing and performing – to make a difference in people’s lives; to bring happiness, energy, excitement, hope, comfort, even healing. Music is my personal form of ministry, a way to share God’s love through my instrument. My greatest satisfaction, joy and inspiration is seeing, hearing and experiencing the power of music to transform people and their lives.”
Duke has composed, arranged, and produced several projects, solo and big band albums, embracing jazz, blues, pop, rock, gospel, Latin, and dance, combining genres to create new sounds. Here is just a sampling:
SOUNDTRACK QUARANTINE 2020: a solo concept album and expression of Duke’s personal story and experience of the lockdown caused by the pandemic; explores themes such as uncertainty, disconnection, grief and hope.
FREE TO DANCE: A strong dance vibe blending electronics with classic jazz and Latin-esque sensibilities. Featuring the single, “Karar”.
METROPOLITAN GOSPEL BIG BAND: An uplifting collection of hymns and worship songs arranged in big band swing style.
DUKE GUILLAUME: POWER OF PRAISE & POWER OF PRAISE – LIVE AT DARYLS HOUSE CLUB:
Duke’s ensemble joins him in these jazz-with-roots-in-gospel studio and live albums.BREATHE: Duke’s solo sax and accompanying piano combine textured layers of sound to create a gentle meditative space.
Most recently, Duke conceived and founded Time For Time Music, a groundbreaking website and app to help musical artists make music and advance their work through a unique barter system. TFT Music is the fulfillment of Duke’s lifelong goal and driving force: to help musicians by creating community.
*The Positive Community