Duo Puentes – Bridges from Andalucia to Crete

Zacharias Spyridakis and Dimitris Koukoulitakis are two outstanding musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of music, particularly in the realm of jazz. Their unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles has captivated audiences worldwide, earning them a well-deserved reputation as masters of their craft.

Zacharias Spyridakis, a native of Athens, Greece, began his musical journey at the age of five, studying the guitar under the guidance of his father. He later moved to London to further his studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2004 and a master’s degree in 2005. His musical journey has seen him collaborate with a plethora of musicians and composers, including Stavros Xarhakos, Eleni Karaindrou, and Yiotis Kiourtsoglou.

Dimitris Koukoulitakis, on the other hand, hails from Chania, Greece. He started his musical journey on keyboards before switching to bass at the age of seventeen. His passion for music led him to Athens, where he enrolled in the Jazz department of the Philippos Nakas Conservatory, later moving to the Conservatoire de Lausanne HEMU and Berklee College of Music in the United States.

Together, Spyridakis and Koukoulitakis form a dynamic duo, their combined talents creating a unique blend of traditional and modern jazz. Their performances are a testament to their deep understanding and respect for the genre, and their ability to improvise and create music in the moment is nothing short of mesmerizing.

One of their notable collaborations is the musical ensemble “Puentes,” which translates to “Bridges.” This project aims to bridge the musical affinities of two peoples, two Mediterranean cultures: Crete and Andalusia. The duo brings together the most interesting music affinities of these two cultures, creating a unique blend of Cretan music through the most flamenco influences of musicians who bring in contact with the common elements of Crete and Andalusia.

Their performances, whether as part of the “Puentes” project or in their individual capacities, are a testament to their deep understanding and respect for the genre, and their ability to improvise and create music in the moment is nothing short of mesmerizing.

In conclusion, Zacharias Spyridakis and Dimitris Koukoulitakis are two exceptional musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of music, particularly in the realm of jazz. Their unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, combined with their deep understanding and respect for the genre, has earned them a well-deserved reputation as masters of their craft.