The title Long Way Home is inspired by Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis, in particular the poem “Ithaca.” “Don’t expect Ithaca to give you many riches,” the poems reads. “Ithaca has already given you a fine voyage; without Ithaca you would never have parted.” We become who we are, Angelakis suggests, through the voyages we take, and this is in fact the voyage’s ultimate goal.
Wise words from a musician who has undertaken extensive journeys of his own. The son of an acclaimed Greek trumpet player/arranger, Angelakis established himself in Europe with a number of Greek orchestras, as well as the Delaware Steel led by Harvey Price, before moving to Philadelphia on a Fulbright. There he completed his master’s degree in music at the University of the Arts, studying with Tony Miceli and Don Glanden. He traveled as well to New York City to study privately with vibraphonist Christos Rafalides, who had been a student of Dimitris’ father. “Christos was my first teacher and first inspiration on the jazz vibraphone,” says Angelakis. “He really introduced me to the world of jazz vibes, a relationship of sharing that lasts up until today.” Angelakis also took advantage of opportunities to learn from Joe Locke, Ed Saindon, Larry McKenna and John Swana. Shortly after, he spent a year in China connecting with the Asian music scene, teaching and performing alongside Chinese and international musicians.
All these experiences inform the beautiful Long Way Home, powered by the supple rhythm team of bassist Kimon Karoutzos and drummer Jason Wastor. The five original pieces each tell a story, most of them gleaned from inspirations particular to Greece, even as the music reflects Angelakis’ immersion in the sound and culture of American jazz. “I was trying to keep my eyes open to everyday life situations,” he remarks, “especially during long periods of not traveling, like during quarantine or in the gap between my times in the States and China.”
1. Murphy
2. Ulysses' Journey
3. Only for You
4. Joe's Corner
5. Coral Keys
6. Very Early
7. Johnny the Liar
8. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Dimitris Angelakis (vibraphone)
George Kontrafouris (Fender Rhodes/piano)
Kimon Karoutzos (bass)
Jason Wastor (drums)
