Скачать или смотреть Kostas Mitropoulos and Apostolis Leventopoulos - Vlatos Jazz Summer 2025

S08.E01.P02 - *Apostolos Leventopoulos* and *Konstantinos Mitropoulos* are two prominent Greek guitarists known for their versatility and contributions to jazz and related genres in Greece and beyond.

Apostolos Leventopoulos

**Background**: Apostolos Leventopoulos is a Berklee-trained jazz guitarist with a degree in classical guitar. His education has equipped him with a deep understanding of both jazz and classical traditions.

*Career**: Leventopoulos performs across jazz, funk, Brazilian, rock, and world music, collaborating with artists like Gilad Atzmon and Alex Foster. He has performed in the US, Brazil, UK, France, Italy, Portugal, and Singapore. His discography includes three solo albums: *Songs for Acoustic Guitar (2022), After the Spirit*, and *The Hidden Beauty (2024). Songs for Acoustic Guitar showcases his lyrical, bluesy style, influenced by Kevin Eubanks, with tracks like “Wandering Thoughts” recorded in a raw, performance-like manner.

**Teaching**: He teaches jazz guitar, theory, and history at Ioannina University and has led seminars at conservatories like Philippos Nakas. His projects include the Hot Organic Trio, GrooveSquad, and a gypsy jazz trio, alongside collaborations with vocalist Eleni Valenti and violinist Maria Manousaki.

**Style**: Known for melodic sensitivity and technical precision, Leventopoulos blends diverse influences, making him a key figure in Greek jazz.

Konstantinos Mitropoulos

**Background**: Born in Athens in 1969, Mitropoulos began as a self-taught guitarist at 14 before studying jazz at Philippos Nakas Conservatory and attending Berklee’s summer program. He trained with notable musicians like John Petrucci.

*Career**: Mitropoulos emerged in Athens’ 1980s club scene, playing at venues like Rodon. He is a founding member of Gadjo Dilo, a gypsy jazz band with Greek influences, and leads *Djangotropia*, a manouche jazz trio. His solo album *Enatenisi (2017) features original compositions, while Instinct (2022), with drummer Nikos Sidirokastritis, explores modern jazz and improvisation. He has collaborated with artists like Foivos Delivorias and Anna Vissi and composed for theater and film.

**Teaching**: Mitropoulos taught at Philippos Nakas (2003–2009) and MOMI music school, focusing on technical and expressive skills.

**Style**: His playing emphasizes emotional depth and improvisation, rooted in gypsy jazz but extending to modern and experimental sounds. His work balances tradition and innovation.

Shared Impact

Both guitarists performed together in the Three Guitars event at Spiti Art Bar in Athens. Leventopoulos excels in diverse genres like Brazilian and funk, while Mitropoulos leans into gypsy jazz and modern improvisation. Their teaching and performances have shaped Greece’s jazz scene, blending technical mastery with cultural depth.