Nikos Veliotis

Not many Greek improvisers have made names for themselves on the European free music scene; Nikos Veliotis did it by connecting with British musicians in the late '90s while researching issues relating to the performance of graphic scores at Trinity College of Music in London. As a cellist, Veliotis is manifestly interested in extending the sound-making possibilities of his instrument. He's a member of the trio Cranc with harpist Rhodri Davies and violinist Angharad Davies. He's also played with the London Improviser's Orchestra and in duos with guitarist John Bisset and cellist John Wastell. Veliotis is a dedicated performer of contemporary classical works by composers such as Xenakis, Sculthorpe, Cardew, and Bussotti. He's also a member of Texturizer, a duo with Greek electronica artist Coti K. Veliotis has played on an ad hoc basis with Evan Parker, Fred Van Hove, and John Butcher, among others. His solo album, Cello (2001), was issued in limited edition with 100 CDs on the Confront label. Veliotis was the curator for the Athens offshoot of 2:13, a pan-European improvisation club that also has branches in London and Berlin. ~ Chris Kelsey, Rovi