S08.E12 Tetraicho FULL CONCERT VIDEO – Last night’s performance by Tetraicho (Four Sounds) at Vlatos Jazz was a mesmerizing fusion of tradition and whimsy that left the crowd roaring with delight. This quartet—three virtuoso violinists (Maria Manousaki, Michalis Loufardakis and Markos Renieris) and one masterful laouto player (the one and only Kyriakos Stavrianoudakis, Crete’s own rhythm section)—brought raw, unscripted magic to the stage. Remarkably, three members can’t read or write music, yet they rank among the finest talents west of Crete, their intuition and years of communal playing weaving spells no notation could capture.The highlight? Their electrifying reinterpretation of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and manu other popular tunes. Gone was the orchestral bombast; in its place, swirling violin lines evoked crashing waves and swashbuckling chases, the laouto’s earthy twang grounding the frenzy like a salty sea anchor. The violins danced in harmonious chaos—plucked strings mimicking rigging snaps, bowed melodies summoning ghostly ships—building to a crescendo that had the audience on their feet, clapping and cheering wildly.In a cozy jazz venue nestled in Crete’s hills, Tetraicho’s authenticity shone. No scores, just pure expression from souls steeped in island lore. It was joyous, innovative, and utterly unforgettable—a testament to music’s power beyond the page. If you’re near Chania, catch them next time; your ears (and heart) will thank you.
