Vagelis Kotzabasis

Music Soup: Upbeat Mood

by Nicholas F. Mondello
September 15, 2024

Upbeat Mood from Music Soup, comprised of Athens, Greece-based guitarist Nestor Dimopoulos, Hammond B-3 organist Evgenia Karlafti and drummer Vagelis Kotzabasis, delivers eight enjoyable and upbeat swinging selections. Seven are originals from either Dimopoulos, Karlafti alone, or co-written. There is intelligent playing and fine soloing throughout. “Korean Apartment" opens things and is a fast straight-ahead burner. Dimopoulos states the melody before stretching on an extended solo. Evgenia Karlafti's organ comps in both counterpoint and chordal pops, as ...