Yiannis Kapoulas Cd Launch November 14, 2010

It’s pronounced Ya-niece Ca-pool-as. While his name may still be unfamiliar to some, critics have already described Yiannis Kapoulas as “an immense musical talent and virtuoso.” His reputation as a multi-instrumentalist who seamlessly blends the diverse voices of modern and traditional string instruments such as the Oud, Bouzouki, Tzoura, Saz, Baglama, Cumbus, Violin and Guitar has already earned the charismatic performer countless awards and accolades; and has been winning over crowds at festivals across the Province. Toronto concert-goers can experience Yiannis’ trademark eclectic sound and witness his fiery-finger work at a rare club performance as the temple of Latin music, the Lula Lounge, plays host to his first-ever CD launch event. The showcase, which is proudly presented by Rozy Records is open to the public, and takes place on Sunday, November 14th, 2010. Doors Open: 7pm; Show Starts: 8pm. For Tickets Call Rozy Records: 416-902-2284, and for Table & Seat Reservation call Lula Lounge: 416-588-0307.

Primarily self-taught, the speed and accuracy with which Yiannis moves from instrument to instrument is awe-inspiring, particularly when performed on his signature instrument, The Ethno III. The E-III, which takes it name from the Greek word indicating race, people, or culture ethnology, is a curious 3-necked instrument which combines the buoyancy of the of the Greek Bouzouki with the melancholic tones of Turkish Saz and Cumbus. This one-of-a-kind instrument was designed and lovingly crafted by Yiannis’ father, and has been influential in the development of Yiannis’ unique, richly flavoured Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Latin rhythmic infusions.

To best illustrate his remarkable versatility, the cover photograph of Yiannis Kapoulas’ debut Canadian CD cleverly portrays the performer in a kaleidoscope of poses with each of the many instruments he has mastered. The 9-song collection features a bevy of tracks ranging from the beautifully melodic Ambiguity to the classically flavoured Sun in Your Eyes and the infectious Samba Funk, the latter two recordings have earned Yiannis international attention, beating out over 15,000 world-wide entries at an international songwriting competition, with Sun in Your Eyes also earning 2nd prize in the Latin Category of the 2008 John Lennon Song Contest. Other titles featured on the CD include, Olympia the 2009 World Music finalists in the same international songwriting competition, and Matador’s Guitar which, in 2007, won 1st Prize in the competition’s Instrumental Category.

Yiannis recently took a break from his songwriting and studio work to stage a series of highly successful live performances at the Canadian National Exhibition, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival, Taste of the Danforth Street Festival, St. Catherine’s Folk Arts Festival, Corso Italia, The Ottawa Greek Festival, and the Irie Music Festival in Toronto.