Melina Paxinos Quartet Collaborations

More than 15 years ago, "Jazz from Greece" still flew under the radar of the experts. This is no longer the case: The Greek jazz scene is growing, thriving and bringing truly wonderful blossoms to light. Just think of the great releases of Petros Klampanis or Stravos Lantsias – the latter label mate of the composer, as well as alto and soprano saxophonist Melina Plaxinos. She already caused quite a stir with her 2018 debut album, which she recorded together with her regular line-up, consisting of Yiannis Papadopoulos (piano), Ninos Manos (bass) and Dimitris Klonis (drums): The combination of modern jazz aesthetics and traditional Greek cultural heritage was unique. In the three subsequent albums and a remixes EP, the quartet remained true to its unmistakable style.
"Collaborations" is a retrospective that documents the young career of the Melina Paxinos Quartet in a musically impressive and varied way. The artist, who was born and raised in Hamburg and has been living in Berlin for almost seven years, shows a variety of different styles on "Collaborations", which she always combines with Mediterranean melodies in a virtuoso and sometimes groovy way. Her neoclassical background – Paxinos studied music production, arrangement and composition at the SRH University of Popular Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts – is evident on this highly exciting, sonically brilliant "best-of" LP, as is her penchant for rhythmic diversity.
The record label of the "Hellenic Jazz Society" began operations in June 2024 - with the aim of producing high-fidelity albums of the local jazz scene. The steady rise of the Greek jazz scene has led "HJS" to promote talented Greek musicians at home and abroad. All albums of the Hellenic Jazz Society are recorded and pressed according to high quality standards - with 180 gram heavy vinyl and high-quality printed gatefold sleeves. HJS's previous releases have been enthusiastically received by trade media, music lovers and audiophiles worldwide!

Features:

• 180g Vinyl LP
• Original Gatefold Sleeve
• Made in Greece

Musicians:

• Melina Paxinos, saxophone, composition
• Yiannis Papadoupoulos, piano
• Ninos Manos, upright bass
• Dimitris Klonis, drums

Selections:

Side A
1. Athens V
2. Time
3. Ta Matoklada Sou Lampoun
Side B
1. Athens IV
2. For My Dad
3. Choices
4. Amoroso
5. Love & War