Alekos Vretos Project with Valkania

Joined by London s Latin jazz piano maestro John Crawfurd, Teymour Housego on evocative Indian flutes (bansouri), leading acoustic bassist on the Balkan scene Paul Moylan, and on drums Simon Pearson (The Wedding Present), this new combination is set to result in an exciting and fresh sound with plenty of sparks.

Vretos has collaborated with the likes of Greek legend Mikis Theodorakis, the world’s leading oud player Simon Shaheen as well as Gilad Atzmon, well-known on the London Jazz scene. His compositional approach draws inspiration from the strong melodies of celebrated musicians, such as US Armenian oudist Ara Dinkjian and Tunisian master oudist Anuar Brahem, among others, whilst he keeps his feet firmly on the groove pedal.

Alekos Vretos - Oud
Teymour Housego - Flute, Bansouri
John Crawford - Piano
Paul Moylan - Bass
Simon Pearson - Drums, Percussion

Support comes from 4 piece Valkania who celebrate the Balkans infectious, uneven rhythms then mix it up with jazz and blues plus balkanized cover versions from the Rolling Stones to Roxy Music.

DJ Seb Merrick (Kazum) digs out unusual tunes at the interface of jazz and world music.