Saxophonist, composer and educator Vasilis Xenopoulos is one of the most accomplished Greek jazz musicians of his generation and a genuine representative of straight ahead jazz. London became his permanent home after graduating with honors from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and gradually established himself as one of London’s up and coming jazz saxophonists. He has worked with some of the best musicians of the International Jazz Scene as a band leader, a section leader and as a guest soloist at various projects.

In 2009 he formed “The Xtet” and their debut album “Loud City” containing 8 original compositions was released on 33Jazz Records in 2011. Two years later he released his second album “The Wind Machine” under the same label, which gained some fine reviews in the top British media such as The Times and BBC radio 3.
In 2017 Nigel Price and Xenopoulos created the XPQ (Xenopoulos/Price Quartet) and recorded their first album under that brand, “Sidekicks” which celebrates some of the most successful guitar/sax pairings in the history of jazz.

The Guardian praised him recently for being one of the leading examples of European jazz musicians who live and perform in Britain and bringing his continental element to the jazz scene. Further to that Vasilis has permanent collaborations with artists from Greece and Cyprus where he performs as a leader or guest artist on a regular basis. As a result he is permanently active in three different scenes/markets (British, Greek and Cypriot).
Vasilis’ charismatic performances reveal his truly fabulous style thus his energy and passion interact with his audience. With his great talent, love and respect. he cherishes the instrument’s challenges and pushes it beyond.

His credits also include seminars on Jazz Saxophone and Improvisation.
His album “DEXTERITY” was released in September, 2019.
Visilis played with the Jazznights Trio who were:
Roger Odell – Drums
Jazznights Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak and the forerunner band Tracks. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – Piano
Originally from the West Midlands, Simon graduated from UEA in 1990 and subsequently established himself in the Eastern region as tutor, performer, arranger and musical director. He regularly performs with a wide range of top UK & US artists in the region�s jazz clubs, and is also an experienced accompanist for vocalists, having gained considerable experience on London�s open-mic circuit. He currently runs the Open Mic / Jazz Jams at the club’s Monday night sessions.
Bernie Hodgkins – Double Bass
Inspired by an uncle, who played and recorded with Django Reinhart and Stephane Grappelli in the legendary Quintet de Hot Club of France, Bernie grew up in a Jazz-oriented family. Their influence led him to become a respected bass player behind such people as Matt Munroe, Dickie Valentine and Dennis Lotus, in the early stages of his career.
Touring in Europe and further afield with a wide variety of artists honed his skills and added to his prodigious repertoire. Supports to players like John Scofield, and singers such as Annie Ross always proved inspirational and served to reinforce his enduring love affair with jazz

Following the raffle of two jazz CDs and a bottle of wine we had the sitting in spot where local musicians can sit in and play with the Jazznights Trio. Tonight we had the pleasure of our MC Gareth LLewelyn Williams-James playing acoustic guitar accompanying Carol Bleiker singing Jobim’s No More Blues

Sunday 22nd March – PETE NEIGHBOUR (clt) will be at Jazznights
Pete Neighbour is a highly respected clarinet & sax player; originally from London and now based in the USA. He travels extensively throughout the world performing in his own inimitable style and Jazznights is proud to be part of his annual UK Tour. “Pretty tone, fearless swing and neat melodic embellishment.”
THE BEST IN BRITISH MODERN JAZZ is at Jazznights, Admission £12. Doors open 7.00 pm. Music 7.30 – 10.00 pm.
See website at http://jazz-nights.com/site/
Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com
Pay on the night.
You can join us at facebook, read reviews of previous performances on more opinions blog or tweet at twitter.com/jazznightsuk
The Jazznights blog and pictures are now at https://moreopinions.wordpress.com
Pictures from past gigs can also be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dancerd/
and at google photos Here