Sokrates Votskos, a talented jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, educator, and bandleader hailing from Greece, is profoundly devoted to the exploration and revival of the folk sounds and traditional music of Greece and Eastern Europe. He ingeniously weaves these rich cultural elements into his modern jazz compositions and improvisations, employing captivating melodies, polyrhythms, and a reedy, timeless tone that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Recognized for his exceptional talents as a sideman and ensemble player, Votskos has collaborated extensively with prominent European jazz musicians in various domains, including radio, cinema, and television. Beyond his mastery of the standard soprano and baritone saxophones, he displays virtuosity in handling other instruments such as the bass, clarinets, duduk, bagpipe (gaita), and piano.
In an artistic partnership with Harris P., Votskos constitutes one half of the renowned duo Kolida Babo, aptly named after the festivity celebrating folk rituals, music, and dance in northern Greece. The duo’s musical exploration traverses the ancient melodies of Armenia and the rich folk traditions of northern Greece’s Epirus and Thrace regions, interwoven with abstract electronics and free jazz expressions.
Furthermore, as the leader of the Sokratis Votskos Quartet, he brings together an assemblage of musicians, including the storied Greek drummer Kostas Anastasiadis, the accomplished double bassist Evangelos Vrachnos, and the pianist virtuoso Leandros Pasias. Together, they form an ensemble that captivates listeners, impressing them with their artistry and profound musical conversations.
The quartet’s initial release, the enthralling single “Almopian Etude / Sevenates,” was launched by Jazzman in 2019, garnering widespread acclaim. Subsequently, they presented their debut album, Sketching the Unknown, which further solidified their reputation as an emerging force in the international jazz scene.
Beyond his other musical endeavors, Sokrates Votskos is a member of the Pausis music collective, contributing his expertise and passion to the ensemble’s mission of fostering artistic collaboration and exploration.
(headline image: Sokrates Votskos playing duduk)
Author: Claudia Taylor
