About Dimitris

Dimitris Sevdalis, is an exceptionally talented pianist and composer from the city of Athens, Greece. His musical journey began at the age of seven, and he quickly developed a passion for the piano. Dimitris  honed his skills in classical piano before diving into the world of jazz piano at the esteemed Philippos Nakas Conservatory. His dedication and talent were recognized in 1996 when he was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College Of Music. There, he excelled and graduated in 1999 with a Diploma in Professional Music, achieving the high honor of Magna Cum Laude.

After returning to Greece in 2000, Dimitris had the opportunity to work with the renowned Greek singer Haris Alexiou. He embarked on a tour across Greece and Europe, captivating audiences with their performances. During this period, also showcased his talents recording on Haris Alexiou’s double album “Cine Kerameikos.”

In 2005, Dimitris introduced his first Latin jazz album “Habana Vieja,” which led him to tour extensively throughout Greece alongside some of the finest Greek and Cuban musicians. These included Cristobal Larrinaga, Luis Enrique Bu Pascal, and Antonis Andreou (Mike Stern, Pink Martini, Gloria Gaynor).

Two years later, in 2007, Dimitris became a member of the Palenque Latin All Stars orchestra , performing with special guests from New York such as two-time Grammy nominee violinist Alfredo De La Fe, Grammy nominee trombonist Jimmy Bosch, Chino Nunez, and Orlando Watussi. Concurrently, he played across Greece with the acclaimed bass player Yiorgos Fakanas’s group, featuring master jazz/fusion musicians like Grammy winners Dave Weckl and Horacio El Negro Hernandez as well as Grammy nominees Alex Acuna, Anthony Jackson, Eric Marienthal, Greg Howe and Dennis Chambers.

September 2010 marked a significant milestone as Dimitris toured Japan and Korea with the Yiorgos Fakanas Group, featuring Anthony Jackson and Horacio el Negro Hernandez, presenting Anthony Jackson’s debut album “Interspirit.”

A year in Paris followed in 2012, where Dimitris immersed himself in the local Latin music scene, performing at festivals and venues including the historic New Morning and Le Baiser Sale. In July 2014, he graced the stage at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival with Swiss-based bass virtuoso Dimitris Christopoulos and renowned percussionist Rodry-Go (Celia Cruz, Tito Nieves, Eddie Palmeri).

Dimitris released his second album “Lagrimas Claras” in 2015, collaborating with French-based Cuban singer Mildreys Duquesne. That same year, he contributed recording piano, to the album “Utopia Guantanamera” by percussionist Abraham Mansfarroll, featuring world wide prominent Cuban musicians. The album earned a nomination at Cubadisco, Cuba’s most prestigious music contest. Additionally, he performed at the Martinique Jazz Festival with Puerto Rican saxophonist Shekinah Rodz’s group.

In 2016, Dimitris joined French bassist Olivier Gato’s Spiritual Warriors Orchestra, touring and recording with artists like Sam Newsome and Grammy nominee Terreon Gully. He then released his third album “Melodies from the Other Side” in 2017, which he presented at various Greek music venues and festivals.

The following year, Dimitris recorded a live album with the Yiorgos Fakanas Group featuring guitar virtuoso Guthrie Govan, followed by a successful tour in Greece and Italy. In 2020, he performed at one of France’s major jazz festivals, Jazz a La Villette, with Cuban percussionist Abraham Mansfarroll, showcasing Mansfarroll’s album “Dizzy el Afro-Cubano,” a tribute to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, which also featured Mr. Sevdalis’s recordings.

In 2022, Dimitris’ Latin jazz quartet took the stage at the Athens – Epidaurus Festival, Greece’s most significant cultural event. He returned the next year with the distinguished jazz-funk ensemble Crazy People Music, sharing the festival lineup with icons like Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, and Diana Krall.

By 2023, Dimitris had relocated to New York, performing at iconic venues, including the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center, The Copa Cabana, latin jazz club Terraza 7 and others. In February 2024, he rejoined the Spiritual Warriors Orchestra for a performance at “Casa de la Plena” in San Juan, Puerto Rico, honoring the legendary Afro-Boriken percussionist Tito Matos.

Currently residing in New York, Dimitris continues to enchant audiences with his music, playing with various ensembles such as the Chico Alvarez group, Conjunto Guantanamo, and the Danae Blanco group. He also collaborates with distinguished Latin jazz musicians, including Grammy award winner percussionist Carlos Maldonado, Grammy nominees Gabriel Vivas and Robert Quintero, enriching the vibrant music scene with his extraordinary talent and passion for music.