Petros Klampanis – Tora Collective ft. Kristjan Randalu, Ziv Ravitz & Thomas Meleteas

When Petros Klampanis is on stage, he throws his whole being into his performance, playing solos and accompaniments or using his double bass as a percussion instrument. Influences from his native Greece are prominently featured on his recent album Tora Collective (Tora = now). On this recording he plays contemporary versions of Greek folk songs, together with well-known musicians from New York. In his original compositions he also sheds new light on the tradition.

The oud, or Arabic lute, plays an important part in the band led by Klampanis. Here it is played by young Greek musician Thomas Meleteas. The four-piece band also stars pianist and ‘ECM recording artst’ Kristjan Randalu, as well as drummer Ziv Ravitz, who previously played on our stage with Lee Konitz, Linda May Han Oh and Shai Maestro, among others.

‘Petros Klampanis is a musician who has always spoken from the heart. There is a clear connection between his instrument, mind and fingers.’ (Downbeat).

Thomas Meleteas oud, Kristjan Randalu piano, Petros Klampanis double bass, Ziv Ravitz drums