Dimitrios Vassilakis was born in Athens 21 October 1961 and studied Chemical Engineering at the Athens University obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree (1986). Until 1985 has leaded with brother Pantelis Vassilakis the avant gard new wave band Art Of Parties on bass/vocals.
He then moved to London and studied saxophone, piano and composition at the London College of Music with the aid of the Onassis Foundation. He graduated with Honors with an additional Diploma in Classical Saxophone (1990) and won national UK competitions and the LCM Society prize. He continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music (Advanced Studies in Jazz Saxophone and Composition) gaining a scholarship from the British Council and was awarded the LRAM diploma in jazz teaching (1991).
Being one of the key members of the International Association of Schools of Jazz and representative for Greece, he has traveled extensively playing at many Festivals and conducting workshops in the US, England, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland and the Balkans. Has taught at the music departments of the Athens, Aristotle and Makedonia Universities (2000-2007), while completing a Ph.D. and is the author of awarded educational books for saxophone and jazz.
His 1st album “Secret Path” was released (1999) by one of the most important and historic jazz labels -Candid Records- (started in New York in the 60’s and now based in London, signing major international jazz artists). His 2nd album “Daedalus Project-Labyrinth” -produced by David Liebman– was recorded in New York with Ralph Peterson, Mark Johnson, Andy Sheppard, Theodossi Spassov and other top US, UK, Greek and Balkan jazz musicians – released 2001 and was voted 2nd jazz album of the year 2002 at the BBC Internet poll. His 3rd album “Parallel Lines” a jazz trio suite with Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums and Essiet Okun Essiet on bass was released 2006 and was presented round the globe with great success.
His upcoming recording leading on saxes/vocals, to be released 2010, includes his New York Quartet and international guests, presenting new arrangements of Beatles and Nina Simone tunes.
He has presented his work at Birdland, Sweet Rhythm, The Kitano, Zinc, Tonic, Cutting Room and other New York Clubs, at the ‘Onassis Cultural Center’ in New York, at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, during Jazz appreciation month at the American Museum of Natural History, at HotHouse, Barnes & Noble and Uncommon Ground Chicago, at the Athens Concert Hall, Lycabettus Theatre, Herodion Theatre, 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Delphic Games, at the Royal Festival Hall, Pizza Express, Purcell Room, Spice Of Life for the London Jazz Festival (2005/2007/2009) at Queens, DePaul, Skidmore and Yale Universities. For the presentation of his work in London and New York he was under the auspices of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture and for his World Tour, including a tour of South Africa under the auspices of the Greek Foreign Ministry.
http://www.dimitriosvassilakis.com/