Tolis Zavaliaris Band

This is my first time at the rather swanky Inn at the Green so a few facts to get you orientated. It's situated under the Westway in Ladbrooke Grove and for those of you with longer memories is where the now departed Subterrania used to be. It's a venue open to a plethora of events with live music, theatre, exhibitions, film and dance all being represented. A cosy capacity of 150 in the events room for gigs creates an almost cafe society feel with chairs, sofas and candle lit tables all accounted for.

So, what's in at the Inn tonight? Well, it's the Tolis Zavaliaris Band, here to play their mix of jazz-world fusion. Tolis relocated from Greece to London in 2001 and studied at the Guitar Institute and afterwards was invited to join as a teacher. In 2004 he won the London guitar hero event at Wembley Conference Centre so you know there's a certain level of technical ability here. There's two CDs available, 'Sounds of the Past' and the imaginatively titled 'Tolis Zavaliaris 2'.

But just before we get to the band, a quick resume on Greek rock music. There's not too much in the way of bands that have transcended their own patch to find worldwide fame. When you get beyond Demis Roussos & Vangelis (together in the critically acclaimed Aphrodite's Child) and Nana Mouskouri there's not many well known faces. Tommy Lee (aka Mr ex-Pamela Anderson) was born in Athens but seemed to be a USA adoptee. Ok, maybe George Michael with a huge slice of artistic license but there is a gap for someone to come along. There are a few extreme metal bands - Rotting Christ and Septic Flesh – with names that could send a shiver or a giggle up your spine dependant on your point of view.

Okay, back to the business in hand. The band are 4 strong with standard guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. It's announced that this is only the band's second gig so we're in early days territory here. The opener, 'Time Travel', hits a jazzy groove instantly and it's clear that there are many supporters of the band in the audience. The song itself reminded me very mush of Steely Dan circa the 'Aja' period when supreme musicianship came very much to the fore. The song intertwines many stylistic changes in the space of 5 minutes and effortlessly moves from jazz to calypso.

Next up is '1916' which is not about the year (of course we all remember it like yesterday) but the time signature. This may sound like it's starting to get a bit muso-heavy but that certainly isn't the case here. Tolis's little chats with the crowd reveal a humble and endearing character who just wants people to enjoy the music whatever they may get out of it. His undoubted proficiency and skill with the guitar flow thorough the songs but there is also space for the other musicians to shine. There are no ego issues on display tonight. The song mixes up rhythms which I suppose you could expect in this jazz-fusion world. It would certainly work well as film soundtrack music, mainly because I think it creates a vibrant or delicate atmosphere that would work effectively alongside a suitable visual accompaniment.

'Four Elements' and 'Oriental Dance' are next up, the latter utilising Greek and Turkish beats that come with an invitation to dance, which unfortunately is not taken up. Maybe that is slightly down to the venue which, whilst being relaxing isn't easy for the first time dancer to get up to. Some of the time signature changes remind me of progressive rock from the seventies but it never feels like it's getting over complex just for the sake of it.

We're informed that the rather splendid and active drummer, Babis Margaritides, can do a very useful impersonation of Tom Hanks character in The Terminal (and we get a quick rendition). They play 'Late Night' and move on to 'Nai-Na' which on the album version features vocals from an X Factor contestant (sorry don't ask me who, suffice to say it isn't Leona or Alexandra) but he isn't available tonight so we get an instrumental version with lead guitar following the vocal line. The music reminds me of loads of influences but not to the point where their own character are usurped.

The last song is upon us and Tolis tells a story about when he lived back in Greece, in Thrace, that he was within 2 hours drive of Turkey one way and Bulgaria the other. The closing 'Kalanda' utilises the influences of the neighbouring culture and features Tolis on acoustic guitar to splendid effect. It would be perfect in a Bulgarian/Turkish spaghetti western movie, should such a cinematic treat ever get made.

If you fancy a night out with a truly welcoming ambiance then this is a band worth following. A few more gigs on and I think we'll see even more fluid playing and the band developing a steady and dedicated following. It would be well deserved on this showing.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.