Dimitris Kalamaras - Akkar (2019)

The Akkar project was founded in 2018 by Dimitris Kalamaras. With a strong jazz influence, the music embraces many sounds including rock, fusion, and several ethnic elements, elegantly combining them with traditional Greek rhythms and sounds. The composer, Dimitris, first introduced the band with him using a loop station and beatboxing, with the aid of George Palamiotis on bass and Panagiotis Katsikiotis on percussion; thus creating a rhythmic, but drum-free sensation. The album’s first presentation with the aforementioned arrangement took place at Dudu Loft in 2018. George Palamiotis, Panagiotis Katsikiotis and several other close friends of Dimitris and his father, helped shape this very personal and emotional project. Today, the arrangement of the band has evolved into a full band set-up including drums, three horns, a piano, and percussion. Several tunes include recitations of both Dimitris’ and his father’s poems, giving an additional sentimental and spiritual tone to this unique project.

The album was recorded at Dudu Loft and is dedicated to Dimitris father's memory Panayiotis Kalamaras.