Spiros Exaras - Elio Villafranca Project

“…[his] way of executing guitar is compelling and beautiful.” – Al DiMeola

A true explorer of the fretboard, guitarist Spiros Exaras began performing amongst legendary performers in his native Greece, cultivating a blend of folk, classical, and jazz styles. Word of his talents spread fast after his debut album was released in 1992, and in 1998 he could be heard playing the guitar solo on Mariah Carey’s multi-platinum-selling single “My All.” Joining forces with Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca, the two blend the buoyant rhythms of the Cuban diaspora with the mysterious and ancient melodies of Greece and the Mediterranean. Their new album, Old Waters New River, vibrantly captures this collaboration.