“From the first notes, I recognized in the voice of Maria the strength and depth of humanity that radiates. I loved her voice from the first time I heard it. But I also love the whole music. As for the music that is called jazz, which I serve all my life, it is primarily the music of freedom and search. And Maria has exactly that. I have always believed that when you are looking for something,this is also looking for you. Apparently I was looking always for the voice of Maria. And when her voice brought tears to my eyes, I knew I found what I wanted.”

With these words Charles Lloyd, a living legend of jazz, speaks for Maria Farantouri.

Their long friendship, they met in 2002 when the great singer was invited to give a concert at the University of Santa Barbara, California, was the opportunity to generate new data to what we call “intercultural artistic creation” or as they call it “a bridge between our worlds.”

“The personality, wit and talent of Lloyd, inspired me to new musical challenges and  to restructure of old and proven traditional songs,” says Maria Farantouri today, describing this collaboration as a “genuine aesthetic pleasure and unique experience.”

The singer met the jazz saxophonist in a concert highlight of their eight-year acquaintance at the Irodion last summer , which resulted in a unique performance. Along with three other virtuosos of “Charles Lloyd quartet” and two Greek musicians, the pianist and composer Takis Farazis and Socrates Sinopoulos in lyre, they combined the Greek musical tradition with jazz, creating an unusual sound.

In their new meeting at Megaron Mousikis, beautiful ballads like Lloyd's “Prayer”, “Blow Wind”, “Dream Weaver” and “Requiem” - with lyrics of Agathi Dimitrouka - are joined with compositions of Mikis Theodorakis, Eleni Karaindrou, Nikos Kypourgos and Alkinoos Ioannidis based on works of Greek poets and lyric writers. The program is enriched by the “Greek Suite” in orchestration by Takis Farazis, based on melodies and songs from the Greek tradition.

Maria Farantouri vocals

Charles Lloyd tenor saxophone, flute, tarogato

Jason Moran piano

Reuben Rogers bass

Eric Harland drums

Socrates Sinopoulos lyre

Takis Farazis piano