Tolis Zavaliaris

Currently band leader for Tolis Zavaliaris Project and teacher at the London Institute of Contemporary Music, Greek born Tolis Zavaliaris has been performing throughout U.K and Greece for more than ten years. Experienced session guitarist/song writer/producer, he has worked with some of the top producers in London such as Peter Greenwall (Flop-Star), Benny D(Depeche Mode), John Robertson (Morcheeba), David Crefield (Kaiser Chiefs) to name a few. His unique sound and versatility blends sounds from rock and modern jazz/fusion to Eastern European music. Tolis works as a guitarist with world famous violinist Vanessa Mae. Tolis also is a contributor for the Guitar Techniques and All Out Guitar Magazines. Tolis has recorded two CDs as a leader “Sounds from the Past” (2007) and his new release “II” (2009) which features Pete Lockett(Steve Smith) on tabla, Laurence Cottle(Eric Clapton) on bass, Neil Angilley(Shirley Bassey) on piano, Fergus Gerrand(Madonna) on percussion Beruz Game(XFactor) on vocals and many more great musicians. For the moment enjoy a small preview of the albums.



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"Here are some very kind words from some beautiful people"



"Professor Richard Smith"
Studio/Jazz Guitar Department
USC Thornton School of Music
Los Angeles, California
' I met Tolis Zavaliaris through a fantastic masterclass he presented for my students from the University of Southern Caliifornia. We were all completely blown away by not only his original music and sounds, but his articulate knowledge of the genres, genuine passion, and masterful guitar work. Tolis Zavaliaris is the real deal, one of those rare performer/composers who make their bold visions into reality and bring us all along for a wonderful ride'.



“Pete Whittard”
School Director at London I.C.M.P.
"Tolis is a very gifted musician. Firstly, he is a very talented modern rock guitarist, with all the flash and technique that entails. But he is much more than that. He has managed to keep in contact with the many varied authentic sounds of his homeland, and the combination is a unique musical voice!"



"Jason Sidwell"BA Hons, MA, ALCM
Senior Music Editor
Guitarist, Guitar Techniques, Total Guitar



"Tolis is a very creative musician. His impressive skills on guitar are noteworthy (sick) but it's how these are combined with his appreciation of various world music that stands him apart from other six stringers. If you're looking for fresh guitar musicality with a twist, Tolis is your man!"



Ed Holden “Total Guitar Magazine”
“The first 30/40 secs just identifies the sound brilliantly and makes me feel like I'm flying around some Eastern European foothill on a magical mystery 11-string tour. If I had a favourite bit though I would have to say it was the chord choices on 'late night' - really inventive jazz style yet still organic to your sound.”



“Guitar Techniques Magazine”
“Guitar Institute tutor Tolis Zavaliaris with his instrumental release, Sounds from the Past. With exotic scales, odd time signatures, impressive guitar chops, evocative melodies and cracking band interplay. Listening to this will endorse why he is writing GT’s World Guitar series.”