Dimitri Vassilakis – saxes, vocals
Nestor Vassilakis – tenor sax
Manos Saridakis – piano
Lakis Tzimkas – bass
Giorgos – Kosteletos drums
Internationally celebrated Greek saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Dimitrios Vassilakis – a four-time Candid Records award-winner – joins forces with his son, Nestor Vassilakis, for a captivating father-son collaboration at Bansko Jazz Festival 2025. Their project, Ballads & Blues, merges generations of jazz mastery with cutting-edge discussions on artificial intelligence and improvisation, offering both a performance and an educational masterclass. A rare convergence of artistry and intellect, the Vassilakis duo promises an unforgettable festival experience – where soulful ballads, fiery blues, and futuristic insights collide.
A veteran of iconic stages – from Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center to Ronnie Scott’s and the United Nations Jazz Democracy Forum – Dimitrios has collaborated with legends like David Liebman, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. As a researcher bridging jazz with AI (Athens University, Georgia Tech), his work redefines music’s future. Nestor, already a rising star, has performed alongside elite musicians, carving his path with lyrical fluency and technical brilliance.
Their repertoire blends Dimitrios’ originals with reimagined jazz standards, featuring George Kontrafouris – Greece’s premier pianist and Hammond organist, a longtime collaborator on Dimitrios’ global tours and Nestor’s Baby Trio project. The ensemble’s synergy highlights jazz’s timeless dialogue: tradition meeting innovation, mentorship fueling evolution.
Beyond performance, their AI-driven educational program – previously showcased at Rhodes Jazz Festival, Nublu NYC, and the Goulandri Museum, Athens – will explore improvisation’s connection to technology, echoing Dimitrios’ pioneering lectures. This dual offering strengthens ties between Bansko Jazz and sister festivals like Rhodes & South Aegean International Jazz.