GEORGE SKAROULIS: ATHENA - The Best of George Skaroulis

George Skaroulis

ATHENA - The Best of George Skaroulis

© 2004 George Skaroulis/Evzone Music (610575200424)

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Finally, for those who can't decide which one of George's albums to start with, along comes ATHENA. A must-have collection of George's best music, old and new.

notes

George Skaroulis - Composer/Pianist

George Skaroulis is fast earning a reputation as one of the best pianists in contemporary instrumental music. With several internationally distributed albums to his credit, Skaroulis' music is effortless, full of grace, and emotionally uplifting. There's no denying Skaroulis' obvious piano-playing talent, but it's his "feel" and his emotionally rich compositions that raise him far above most of the other players in this genre. He successfully fuses Classical, New-Age, and Mediterranean influences to produce a fresh new sound. Skaroulis creates works that are timeless, marking his compositions with his own distinct ambient style.

Born and raised in Florida, Skaroulis began playing at the age of five without formal training in either music theory or notation. He showed a fascination for music as he sat on the piano bench next to his mother while she played classical pieces and would often improvise and play along. Recognizing his interest and natural talent, his parents encouraged piano lessons. In five weeks, the lessons were over. The teacher could only be fooled for a short while and soon realized "little George" was playing the lessons by ear.

Skaroulis began his career in the restaurant industry while a teenager, and dedicated over 20 years of his life to the business. Time at the piano was often his own private escape, and Skaroulis, shy about his lack of formal training, was very selective about performing publicly. Never had he considered pursuing his love of music as a career, but over the years, the piano kept calling him back.

The message was loud and clear to Skaroulis after attending a Yanni concert years ago. He was amazed and moved by the music, and at the audience's response. Realizing that perhaps his music had a chance to touch people, Skaroulis recorded his debut album Homeland in 1996. With a very positive response, Skaroulis was inspired to compose more music and continue following his dream. The Homeland album was followed by Numinous, Season Traditions, Generations, Return to Homeland, Second Nature, Athena, and his newest album Forever Young.

In addition to releasing albums on his own record label, Evzone Music, Skaroulis' music has captured the attention of other record labels including Essence Records (Chris Spheeris), Real Music, Bon Music (Korea), Orange Music (Singapore) and Sharper Image - all of which have licensed his music and talent for albums in which they distribute.

Skaroulis also performs live concerts, many of which are for benefits and charities throughout world.

Skaroulis' dreams continue to become realities. His music is broadcast on both conventional and web radio stations around the world, in theatre, and in television broadcasts. His passion has always been for film and television scoring, so he is understandably proud that his compositions have been included in the nationally-aired PBS programs Visions of Italy and Visions of Greece.

Skaroulis is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), and a member of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

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  • A Stellar Collection!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    “Athena - The Best of George Skaroulis” is an eight-year retrospective of this artist’s most impressive body of work. The sixteen tracks include four never-released pieces, so even if you own all of Skaroulis’ previous albums, this is still a must-have. Known for his evocative blending of piano and keyboard as well as traditional Greek musical idioms and contemporary piano stylings, the title track is a bit of a surprise with its Yanni-like big sound. The song was originally released on “Return to the Homeland” in a somewhat different format, and that version is also included on the album. This track includes piano, a beautiful violin part played by Paul Mercer, percussion, and additional keyboards. Rhythmic and celebratory, it is very Greek in style and sound. A great start! The only piece on the CD that isn’t original is Skaroulis’ lovely arrangement of “Hymn to Liberty (The Greek National Anthem).” Presented as a piano solo, its simple melody is haunting. “Goddess” is another new track, and is one of Skaroulis’ most beautiful pieces. A melancholy piano is accompanied with Jairaj Swann on electric bass and Alex Wolf on guitar, along with elegantly interwoven synth parts that give it an ethereal quality. “The Dance” clocks in a less than a minute, and demonstrates that less can truly be more - a perfect solo piano vignette. I also really love “Return to Patmos,” a reflective and haunting piano piece with synth strings washes that actually enhance the piece. “Voice of the Ancients” is the fourth of the new pieces, and includes a male voice speaking in the background behind shimmering string and synth sounds. Another vignette, it’s an interesting interlude. Other titles include “Numinous,” “Reflection,” and “Hopes and Dreams.” All of the tracks have obviously been carefully and caringly selected, and there isn’t a weak track on the album. If you are new to George Skaroulis’ music, this is an outstanding introduction to his work. One of my favorite artists, Skaroulis deserves a much wider audience. Very highly recommended!

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