Chris Spheeris & Paul Voudouris - Europa (1995) [Re-Up]

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Chris Spheeris & Paul Voudouris - Europa (1995) [Re-Up]

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While the title Europa may have you expecting some sort of connection to the Santana masterpiece, what guitarist Chris Spheeris and keyboardist Paul Voudouris achieve is stirring in its own right. Often when artist credit is billed to two equals, one winds up playing all the melodies while the other provides some supportive harmonic structure. Here, there is an even trade off. Spheeris takes command acoustically before his partner slinks in for an extended solo, and vice versa on the next track. As is typical of artists associated with the gray area between jazz and new age, the two aim for a soothing vibe rather than a chops explosion. The effect of the exotic if understated percussion is gorgeously hypnotic, like a hang glider soaring into a fertile terrain of clear sky and wind. Despite the soft veneer, Spheeris stands out as a surprisingly plucky guitar master. In time, some of the pieces run calmly together. But for all intents and purposes, it's a conceptual project, so it must be part of the grand design. ~ Jonathan Widran

Chris Spheeris, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and recording artist, has inspired and captivated worldwide listeners with his music for more than 25 years. Being raised in the Midwestern USA and spending summers in his ancestral homeland of Greece, the cross-cultural foundation of his expression was in place long before his first melodies were ever written.
At 19, inspired by Joni Mitchell, early Genesis, Cat Stevens, the Talking Heads and other visionaries of the era, Spheeris along with friend, Paul Voudouris, entertained and inspired restaurant, coffeehouse, symphony, and college audiences with a blend of all original music and lyrics that were progressive and unique.

At age 25, Spheeris set up a studio, bought his first keyboards, and embarked on his own blend of instrumental music that would help found a new musical genre of New Age. Within three years of the inception of his solo career, Chris caught the attention of Columbia Records and went on to become one of the first New Age instrumentalists to be signed to a major label. Over the next 15 years, with 10 new recordings, Spheeris has developed a signature style of cross-cultural, romantic instrumental music imbued with a quality that is at once, intimate, exotic, passionate and universal. Visit Chris Spheeris at chrisspheeris .

In his twenty-seven years as a professional musician, Paul Voudouris has released 14 recordings on various record labels. Some of the earlier releases were on Epiphany Records and EMI Records, and are no longer available. Look for newer recordings in the adult-contemporary, children's, neo-classical, new-age, ambient music and audio art vein. To visit this talented musician and sample his newest recordings visit paulvoudourismusic .

Recording information: Casa De Voodoo; Digital Audio Productions; Villa Christo.

Photographer: Chris Spheeris.

Arrangers: Chris Spheeris; Paul Voudouris.

Personnel: Chris Spheeris (guitar); Paul Voudouris (keyboards); Seward McCain (acoustic bass); Daryll Wright, Fitzhugh Jenkins (electric bass); Tim Gehrt (drums, percussion); Ed Smith (cymbals); Michael Spiro (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Chris Spheeris; Paul Voudouris; Steve Shepherd.