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Athenian Blues: A Journey into the Life and Music of Stratos Gazis

Thomas Hardy

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Published in Athenian Blues (Stratos Gazis 1)

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"I'm a bluesman, and I love the blues. It's the music that speaks to me." - Stratos Gazis

The Early Years

Stratos Gazis was born in Athens, Greece, in 1952. From a young age, he was drawn to music, and he began playing the guitar at the age of 12. He was influenced by a wide range of music, including blues, rock, and jazz.

Athenian Blues (Stratos Gazis Series Book 1)

by Alix Lee

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1109 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	278 pages

In the early 1970s, Gazis formed his first band, Mandrake. The band played a mix of blues and rock, and they quickly gained a following in Athens. In 1975, Gazis released his first solo album, Crying in the Night. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Gazis as one of the leading blues musicians in Greece.

The Blues Years

In the late 1970s, Gazis began to focus more on blues music. He toured extensively throughout Greece and Europe, and he released several albums that were critically acclaimed. In 1985, he was invited to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where he shared the stage with some of the world's top blues musicians.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Gazis continued to release albums and tour extensively. He became known for his powerful live performances, and he was often compared to some of the greatest blues musicians of all time.

The Later Years

In the early 2000s, Gazis began to slow down his touring schedule. He continued to release albums, but he also focused on other projects, such as writing and teaching. In 2010, he was awarded the Order of the Phoenix, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a Greek citizen.

Stratos Gazis died in Athens on May 9, 2018, at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy of music that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

The Legacy of Stratos Gazis

Stratos Gazis was one of the most important blues musicians in Greece. He was a gifted guitarist and singer, and he had a deep understanding of the blues. He was also a tireless promoter of the blues, and he helped to introduce the music to a new generation of fans.

Gazis's music is still played and enjoyed by people all over the world. His legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.