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: Stefan Olofsson
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Orestis Krikonis Trio
August 11, 2024 @ 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm EEST
The Orestis Krikonis Trio is a musical ensemble composed of three multi-experienced and talented musicians) Stefan Olofsson (piano), Kostas Katsonis (guitar) and Orestis Krikonis (violin and voice) united by their deep love for jazz and improvisational music.
The repertoire includes compositions by jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Kenny Dorham, Horace Silver, Clifford Brown, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sonny Rollins, Chick Corea, among others, as well as some original compositions by the musicians themselves.
Orestis Krikonis
Orestis Krikonis (born 1984, Trikala, Greece) embarked on his musical journey at a very early age and has continued it uninterrupted ever since. He began playing the violin at the age of 6 and the guitar at the age of 12.
In 2002, he was admitted to the Musicology program at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Concurrently, he completed his conservatory studies, obtaining a degree in classical violin and a diploma in advanced music theory.
He completed his Musicology studies with an excellent-rated thesis on guitar technique in Smyrniot music. After finishing his studies, he began working in secondary education.
In the years that followed, he felt an increasing attraction to jazz. Initially, he was drawn to swing (he participated as a violinist and guitarist in the Django Festival 2013 with the band Jazz Noir) and soon to modern jazz. This passion led him to pursue a postgraduate degree in Jazz at the Ionian University Jazz Department in order to delve deeper into this genre.
There, he studied under renowned jazz instructors and artists such as Dimos Dimitriadis, George Kontrafouris, and Stefanos Andreadis, and attended seminars by esteemed artists like Petros Klampanis, Nikos Anadolis, Yiannis Pappadopoulos, Next Step Quartet, Gilad Hekselman, Jonathan Kreisberg, Marius Beets, Ronan Guilfoyle, Eric Ineke, Juraj Stanik, and others, gaining valuable experience.
As part of his postgraduate studies, he presented five compositions under the theme “Drawings of Childhood,” a concept album he hopes to record soon. He also authored a comprehensive study on the jazz violin in the modern scene. He graduated in 2019 with a specialization in Jazz Performance in Violin.
Krikonis has performed for audiences in various music venues and concerts in cities where he has lived, such as Trikala, Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Samos, Heraklion, and Chania. He has participated in many local and national festivals.
A multi-instrumentalist, Orestis specializes in jazz violin but is also a skilled guitarist, singer, improviser, and composer across many genres. For the last decade or more, his focus has been on jazz improvisation and violin in jazz, alongside his compositions, some of which he plans to release soon. Orestis Krikonis has performed with some of the most talented contemporary Greek musicians in the modern scene. Since 2011, he has also been a music teacher in secondary education.
Since 2017, he is based in Crete.
Kostas Katsonis
Kostas Katsonis (born 1996, Athens, Greece) is an exceptionally talented guitarist from the young generation of artists. In 2021, he graduated with a master’s degree from Ionian University in Greece. He then continued his studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where he was mentored by jazz guitar luminaries such as Martijn van Iterson, Jesse van Ruller, and Reinier Baas.
Kostas is not only a guitarist but also a composer and band leader. He has performed with his band at numerous prestigious festivals and venues, including Burg Waldeck Festival Frankfurt 2017, Preveza Jazz Fest 2018, Petite Paris d’Athene Jazz Festival 2021, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
His music is a unique blend of American jazz tradition, Greek folk, and classical music influences. Now based in Amsterdam, Kostas has recently released a new single called “The Jacket,” and he will release his first album, “Short Habits,” in October 2024.
€10,00 TicketΠολιτιστικός Σύλλογος Βλάτους Νέοι Ορίζοντες
+30 69 848 99 530
syllogos@vlatos.gr
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Παλιοί Γνωστοί
Οι Elements Trio έχουν προγραμματιστεί να εμφανιστούν στο Vlatos Jazz στις 7 Ιουλίου 2024, από τις 20:30 έως τις 23:00 EEST.
Elements Trio at Vlatos Jazz Summer 2024 -
Elements Jazz Trio
June 23, 2024 @ 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm EEST
The Jazz Elements Trio, hailing from the beautiful island of Chania in Greece, is a dynamic ensemble known for their unique improvisational style and captivating performances. Formed in 2017, the trio comprises Matthieu Durmarque on saxophone, Lefteris Papadakis on bass, and Stefan Olofsson on piano. Their musical journey began in the quaint village of Vlatos, where they founded a weekly jazz club at Elements in Plaka, showcasing different artists or genres each week.
The Jazz Elements Trio has a reputation for their exceptional talent and versatility. They are available for booking as a trio, a duo (sax + piano), a quartet (trio + drums), a quintet (trio + drums and guitar), or as individual soloists. This adaptability allows them to cater to a variety of events, from private gatherings to large festivals.
The trio’s repertoire includes Broadway jazz standards by renowned artists like Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and George Gershwin. They bring a unique improvisational style to these classics, creating a memorable experience for their audience. Their performances are not just about the music but also about the atmosphere they create, with each member contributing to the rich tapestry of sound.
In addition to their regular performances, the Jazz Elements Trio is part of the Vlatos Jazz World Music Festival. This annual event, held in the 150-year-old Vlatos Music Hall, brings together musicians from around the globe for a series of concerts. The trio’s participation in this festival is a testament to their talent and the recognition they have garnered in the music world.
Their performances are not just limited to Chania or Crete. The trio has performed throughout Greece, leaving audiences spellbound with their music. They are also available for bookings in other countries, further expanding their reach and influence.
In conclusion, the Jazz Elements Trio from Chania is a musical force to be reckoned with. Their unique style, exceptional talent, and versatility make them a must-see for any music lover. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, their performances are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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6 people are attending Elements Jazz Trio