Dive into the captivating world of Christos Hatzis with "Hatzis, C.: Byzantium," a mesmerizing blend of indie jazz and neofolk released on April 1, 2012, under the Centrediscs label. This album, spanning a total of 1 hour and 5 minutes, features six enchanting tracks that showcase Hatzis's unique compositional style and his collaborators' exceptional talents.
The album kicks off with "The Mega4 Meta4," a collaborative piece featuring Steven Dann, setting the stage for the eclectic journey ahead. Hatzis's solo composition "The Temptation of St. Anthony" follows, showcasing his ability to weave intricate narratives through music. "Crucifix," featuring Chari Polatos, adds a layer of depth and complexity, highlighting the album's diverse musical influences.
The centerpiece of the album is the three-part "Byzantium" suite: "Evangelismos," "Epitaphios," and "Anastasis." These tracks, performed by an ensemble including Steven Dann, Chari Polatos, Libby Van Cleve, and the Exultate Chamber Singers, offer a rich tapestry of sounds that pay homage to Byzantine musical traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary composition. The suite also includes Hatzis's arrangement of a composition by Dimitra Galani, featuring jazz vibraphone, jazz bass, and string quartet, adding a unique flavor to the album.
"Hatzis, C.: Byzantium" is a testament to Christos Hatzis's versatility and innovation as a composer. Whether you're a fan of indie jazz, neofolk, or simply appreciate beautiful music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
