Lighthouse Sessions | TAKIM

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The popular Lighthouse Sessions, hosted by Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis, continue with the band TAKIM, the virtuoso soloists of Greek demotic tradition. Each month, the well-known composer and drummer shares the stage with representatives of a wide range of genres from the domestic music scene, in a series of events originating in jazz and culminating in a freestyle discussion, unrestricted by rules. The concert with ΤΑΚΙΜ will take place on Sunday 18/04, at 20:30, at the SNFCC Lighthouse.

The purpose of the Lighthouse Sessions is to demonstrate the power of music, free from formalism and restrictions. Accompanied by a jazz trio and a string quartet, Ktistakis and his handpicked guests bring their worlds together, connecting Greek traditional music and rebetika songs with jazz and classical music. The unexpected result not only reveals a different side to widely beloved artists, but also a contemporary approach to music, open to improvisation and creative experiments, through groundbreaking orchestrations.

The name ΤΑΚΙΜ resonates with the sounds of Greek tradition. Six of the greatest virtuosos of demotic music travel from West to East and from yesterday to today, with a fresh perspective and an even fresher sound.

Thomas Konstantinou (oud, lute), Panos Dimitrakopoulos (qanun), Alexandros Arkadopoulos (clarinet), Giorgos Marinakis (violin), Kostas Meretakis (folk and traditional percussion) and Giannis Plagiannakos (bass), imbue their shows with the Dionysian atmosphere of folk festivals, interspersed with moments of introspection that complete the Greek identity. 

Renowned as both members of the band and independent musicians, the soloists of ΤΑΚΙΜ have collaborated with artists such as Loreena McKennitt, Nana Mouskouri, Calexico, and many others. Having completed twenty years since they began their musical journey, the band has by now more than earned the special place they hold on the Greek and international ethnic-folk scene. 

With an academic background in the Music Studies Department of the Ionian University, the composer, orchestrator and accomplished drummer Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis is now one of the foremost personalities of the domestic jazz scene. Born in Irakleio, Crete, he began performing professionally with various bands upon arriving in Athens as a student. In late 2015, the Alex Drakos Trio, the band he created with bassist Dinos Manos and pianist Giannis Papadopoulos, released the album Tora, while Ktistakis’ latest solo album Circles  has just been released. His teachings, creativity and general attitude, guided always by improvisation and rock, traditional and classical music influences, serve as an inspiration for a new generation of jazz musicians. 

Contributors:
Dinos Manos – Bass
Giannis Papadopoulos – Piano
Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis – Drums
Thomas Konstantinou – Oud, vocals
Panos Dimitrakopoulos – Qanun
Alexandros Arkadopoulos – Clarinet
Giorgos Marinakis – Violin
Giannis Plagiannakos – Double bass
Kostas Meretakis – Percussion, vocals
Katerina Tziviloglou - Vocals

Composition & string orchestration: Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis
Adaptations: TAKIM & Alexandros Drakos Ktistakis

Sunday 18/04, 20.30

LIGHTHOUSE

You may watch the event live on this page, as well as on SNFCC's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Due to public health measures, there may be changes regarding either the staging of the event, or the maximum number of participants.