Dimitris Angelakis

Greek native vibraphonist Dimitris Angelakis began his music journey from a very early age. A journey that started with his first exposure to American music music from his father and continued with a Fullbright Scholarship to study with Don Glanden, Tony Miceli, John Swana among others at University of the Arts in Philadelphia (Master in Jazz Music), record and perform in the US (East Coast), explore the Asia music scene working for a year in China, and playing at large venues and festivals in Europe. Influenced mainly by Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Tony Miceli, Christos Rafalides and Joe Locke, Dimitris immersed himself as a vibraphonist in the international music scene. His high energy performances along with his soulful compositions have made him an in-demand performer at festivals around the world (Project Metamorphosis, 41st International Music Festival, World Percussion Festival, Big Day Bach, ISME), while he has also recorded/ performed with acclaimed artists in the US and Europe as a guest performer and session musician, with Petros Klampanis, Milcho Leviev, Dimos Dimitriadis, Owen Hart Jr, Paris Strother (Prince), Vasilis Xenopoulos, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez (George Fakanas group) to name a few. He has also collaborated with a number of orchestras/ensembles (Delaware Steel - Harvey Price, Uarts graduate ensemble, Composer Series, Thessaloniki state orchestra) working at the same time with educational organizations and institutions for various projects (Philadelphia Real Book project, Ionian University, Aristotle University, vibesworkshop, Hellenic Foundation for culture-Ukraine, Alcanta International CollegeChina). Dimitris has released in April 2022 his debut album entitled “Long Way Home” on acclaimed bassist Petros Klampanis’ label ΠΚmusic. The title of the album is inspired by Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis, in particular the poem “Ithaca”. Each of the original pieces in the album tell a story, most of them gleaned from inspirations particular to Greece and other travels as well (US, China, Europe), reflecting at the same time his immersion in the sound and culture of American jazz. There are also well known standards written by Bill Evans, Walter Bishop Jr and Jimmy Van Heusen.

Photo Credit: Orfeas Lizardos