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.
«
Prev
1
/
1
Next
»
Tetraicho’s Swashbuckling Strings: ‘Pirates’ & More Reimagined at Vlatos Jazz 2025
Tetraicho’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Adventure: Spellbinding Strings at Vlatos Jazz 2025
Tetraicho performs at Vlatos Jazz Summer 2024
Tetraicho Short – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2023
S07.E15.P2 Tetraicho – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2023 Part 2
S06.E13 Tetraicho – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2023 Part 1
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.
S08.E09 – A Night of Musical Magic Under the Stars — Last night, Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025 delivered an unforgettable evening at the charming Vlatos Jazz venue, nestled in the heart of Crete’s lush landscape. The starlit sky and cool summer breeze set the perfect stage for an extraordinary performance by Paul Meller (guitar and composition), joined by his prodigiously talented children, Maxim Meller on dukduk and bass clarinet, and Elysia Meller on violin. The event drew a vibrant crowd, including a notable contingent from nearby Perivolia, whose presence added a warm, communal spirit to the night. From the outset, Paul Meller’s masterful guitar work anchored the performance with a blend of technical precision and soulful expression. His compositions, both original and reimagined, showcased his deep musicality and ability to weave narratives through sound. The trio’s chemistry was palpable, with Maxim and Elysia bringing youthful virtuosity and emotional depth to the stage, elevating the concert to something truly special. The setlist was a delightful mix of classic and original works. The ensemble’s renditions of Erik Satie’s hauntingly minimalist *Gymnopédies* and Jacques Brel’s emotive *Ne me quitte pas* were breathtaking. Paul’s delicate guitar phrasing intertwined seamlessly with Elysia’s ethereal violin, which danced with a celestial grace, while Maxim’s dukduk and bass clarinet added rich, unexpected textures that grounded the pieces in a fresh, contemporary jazz idiom. Their interpretation honored the originals while infusing them with a modern, improvisational flair that captivated the audience. The highlight of the evening was an original composition by Paul Meller, dedicated to the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), a beloved feature of the Vlatos and Perivolia landscape. This piece was a poetic tribute, blending earthy rhythms with soaring melodies that evoked the tree’s vibrant red fruit and evergreen leaves. Maxim’s soulful bass clarinet solo, layered over Elysia’s lyrical violin and Paul’s intricate guitar, painted a vivid sonic portrait of the Cretan countryside. The audience was visibly moved, with many exchanging knowing smiles, as if the music had captured the very essence of their surroundings. The intimate setting of Vlatos Jazz, with its open-air ambiance and rustic charm, amplified the experience. The stars twinkling above seemed to mirror the trio’s sparkling interplay, and the cool night air carried the music effortlessly to every listener. The crowd, including the honored guests from Perivolia, responded with rapturous applause, their enthusiasm a testament to the trio’s ability to connect deeply with their audience. In just under an hour and a half, the Meller family delivered a performance that was both technically dazzling and emotionally resonant. Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025 has set a high bar with this concert, proving once again why this venue remains a gem for music lovers. If last night was any indication, the rest of the season promises to be extraordinary.
The Melos String Quartet’s debut at Vlatos Jazz 2025, led by violinist Maria Manousaki, was a highlight of the festival, delivering a performance that fused classical precision with jazz-infused spontaneity. Described as “pure musical fireworks” on the Vlatos Jazz website, the quartet showcased a vibrant set in the intimate, open-air setting of Vlatos, Crete. Their repertoire blended traditional string quartet works with jazz-inspired arrangements, reflecting Manousaki’s genre-blending vision. The ensemble’s tight interplay and expressive dynamics captivated the audience, with Manousaki’s virtuosic violin leading the charge. The rustic Cretan backdrop amplified the quartet’s warm, melodic sound, making for an unforgettable night that bridged classical and jazz traditions with flair.[](https://www.vlatos.gr/events/)
Apostolis Leventopoulos and Konstantinos Mitropoulos, two exceptional guitarists, delivered a captivating performance at Vlatos Jazz 2025, as part of a trio with Giorgos Limakis. Their set, described as a “guitar showdown,” blended famous riffs with hidden gems, showcasing their technical prowess and creative synergy. Leventopoulos, known for collaborations with Greece’s jazz elite, brought a soulful, versatile energy, while Mitropoulos, a Gypsy Jazz specialist from Gadjo Dilo, infused the performance with Django Reinhardt-inspired flair. The intimate Vlatos setting amplified their dynamic interplay, creating an unforgettable acoustic jazz experience that thrilled the audience.[](https://www.vlatos.gr/events/)[](https://www.thenationalherald.com/gypsy-jazz-trio-k-mitropoulos-performs-at-theatre-of-the-no-sept-28-oct-19/)
Buckle up, jazz freaks, because Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025 is about to launch you into a parallel dimension where Crete’s ancient mountains collide with the wildest sounds this side of the galaxy! We’re talking 13 straight Sundays of sonic chaos in the tiny village of Vlatos, Kissamos – a place so chill it’s basically a portal to another realm. Starting June 29th, three Greek guitar gods (Apostolis Leventopoulos, Giorgios Limakis, and Kostas Mitropoulos) will shred your soul into a million pieces with riffs that could wake the gods of Olympus. Then, on July 6th, the Meλos String Quartet will drag you from the White Mountains to the blue seas with strings that scream like sirens on a jazz-fueled bender.
But wait – it gets crazier! The Blues Jazz Trio on July 13th will summon ancient spirits with classic tunes so raw, you’ll swear the venue’s stone walls are sweating. Maria Manousaki’s Quartet on July 20th? They’re dropping Behind Closed Doors vibes so hot, the Cretan goats outside will start scat-singing. The Cretan Jazz Trio on July 27th is straight-up time travel – traditional Kissamos instruments meet jazz so unhinged, you’ll think you’re at a 1920s Harlem speakeasy in the middle of a Minoan ruin.
August goes full supernova: the 3 Keys Trio on the 3rd will have Lefteris Papadakis’ electric bass shaking the earth like a tectonic plate on a mission. Ilias Zoutsos on August 10th is basically a musical alchemist, turning the Cretan Lyra into a jazz weapon of mass reinvention with Spyros Loukos’ piano as his co-conspirator. Then, on the 17th, Kate Dunphy and her Carte Blanche Vintage Quartet teleport straight from a 1930s New York jazz den – harmonica so sultry, the stars above Vlatos will blush.
Paul Meller & Friends on August 24th? This ex-journalist-turned-blues-wizard is throwing a party so wild, even the olive trees will be dancing. Duke Guilliaume’s Jazz Soul Trio on the 31st will make the mountains weep with New York soul so deep, you’ll forget which continent you’re on. September 7th, Emily Holden’s electric violin will spark lightning storms over Vlatos – her sound is a cosmic explosion of jazz, classical, and pure chaos. TETRAIXO on the 14th is four sounds of madness – Maria Manousaki and her Cretan violin-lute posse will make you feel like you’re surfing a tsunami of melody. And closing it all on September 21st, Giorgos Chachlakis and the Rebetiko crew will rip your heart out with sounds so raw, you’ll be crying into your raki by the encore.
Every Sunday at 20:30, only 60 seats, €10-15 a pop – local food, drinks, and a free peek at the Vlatos Folklore Museum. Book fast via PayPal at vlatos.gr, or you’ll be stuck listening to the goats bleat instead. Scan the QR code for the full program, and brace yourself – Vlatos Jazz 2025 isn’t just a festival; it’s a jazz-fueled fever dream you’ll never wake up from!
“Vlatos Jazz is proud to present TETRAIXO – that’s ‘four sounds’ in Greek, and trust me, this quartet delivers a sonic explosion! Leading the charge is the unstoppable Maria Manousaki, a violin virtuoso who’s conquered stages from New York to Crete. She’s joined by two master violinists, Michalis Loufardakis and Markos Renieris, both hailing from Western Crete’s rich musical tradition, their bows slicing through the air like lightning. Rounding out this powerhouse crew is Kyriakos Stavrianoudakis, Crete’s most legendary lute player, whose fingers weave magic into every note. Together, they’re cooking up a storm of jazz-infused world music, blending Cretan soul with wild improvisation. Set in the ancient, open-air Vlatos Jazz Venue under the stars, this is one of Chania’s brightest gems – a night of four sounds that’ll hit you like a tidal wave!”
Book Ticket
TETRAIXO – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025
This performance promises to showcase the group’s unique synergy, with Manousaki’s global jazz flair meeting the deep-rooted mastery of her fellow Cretan musicians, all amplified by the intimate, atmospheric setting of Vlatos!
“Vlatos Jazz brings the soul of Rebetiko to Kastelli Kissamos, Crete! Join us for a night of raw, heartfelt tunes with Giorgos Chachlakis and our finest local players. Rooted in Cretan tradition, this is music that stirs the spirit – live under the stars in the ancient vibes of Vlatos!”
Book Ticket
Ένα μουσικό σχήμα που ταξιδεύει τους ακροατές σε ήχους ανατολίτικους νησιώτικους ,ρεμπέτικους και παραδοσιακούς.
Ένα μουσικό ταξίδι με μελωδίες από όλες τις περιοχές της ελληνικής μουσικής παράδοσης.
Classical roots with electrifying jazz riffs and soulful melodies
Emily Holden – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025
Emily Holden dives into pop music with the wild abandon of a pleasure-seeker and the sacred zeal of a high priestess. This New York City sonic sorceress—singer, songwriter, violinist, and producer—channels her classical roots and electronic fixations into an electrifying brew. Her tracks throb with bold horn blasts, razor-sharp synths, and lush strings, all dancing atop ferocious, primal beats that cradle the fragile fire of her voice. Echoing the likes of Bjork, FKA Twigs, and Grimes, Emily Holden’s sound is a thrilling collision of raw instinct and futuristic edge—where tenderness tangles with fury, and ancient rites meet modern isolation.
Book Ticket
Emily Holden – Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025
For her debut at Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025, here’s what attendees can expect under the Cretan stars:
“Picture this: Emily Holden, electric violin in hand, lighting up the night at the Vlatos Jazz Venue – an ancient, open-air stage nestled in Crete’s rugged hills. On a warm Sunday evening at 20:30, she steps into the spotlight, her bow dancing across amplified strings as the White Mountains loom in the background. Fresh from New York’s vibrant scene, Emily blends her classical roots with electrifying jazz riffs and soulful melodies, creating a sound that’s both timeless and cutting-edge. Under the starry sky, her performance promises a wild ride – expect soaring improvisations, unexpected twists, and a vibe that fuses the intimacy of the venue with the boundless energy of her music. It’s her first time at Vlatos Jazz, and she’s set to make it unforgettable!”
This performance, part of the 13-concert series running all season long, leverages the unique atmosphere of Vlatos – a village known for its peace, culture, and stellar acoustics – to amplify Emily’s boundary-pushing style. Whether she’s looping layers of sound or collaborating with local musicians, her electric violin will shine as a beacon of creativity in this historic setting!
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!”
Book Ticket
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.
