Makis Ablianitis is an inspired composer and one of the most important guitar players in the world-jazz music scene. His relationship with music began at the age of 14 when he got his first guitar. He studied theory, harmony, counterpoint, fugue and Orchestration classes with excellence. He concluded his studies at the Berklee Music College of Boston with a scholarship. The period of his studies at Berklee was decisive for his later course as a musician, because at the same time of his studies, he had the opportunity to play with renowned musicians of the Boston jazz scene.
In 1993, he formed the ‘Jazz Steps’ quartet and in 1995 the group ‘Jazz Crew’. During the period of 1996 - 1998 he was a member of the ethnic group of Michalis Nikoloudis and Omar Faruk Tekbilek, touring all over the world.
His debut took place in 1997 with the jazz album ‘FLAME KEEPER’ featuring some of the most prominent Greek jazz musicians. In November 1999, he collaborates with the ‘ARTS DANCE & MUSIC PRODUCTIONS’ and during the three-month period he contribute with the very successful BROADWAY shows in Athens.
At his second album 'BAHAR' (2001) he met among others, the world famous Indian flute player, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, and one of the best Greek singers, Manolis Lidakis.
'BAHAR' soon became a multi-platinum album and many songs from the album appeared in countless collections all over the world.
In January 2004, along with the famous Greek singer Maria Farantouri, released the album ‘MOSAIC’, featuring: Glen Velez, Fuat Saka, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ross Daly among others.
During the same period, he formed the group ‘HOT ORGANIC TRIO’. The trio plays original songs and jazz standards, with the distinctive sound, that only a guitar- hammond organ- drums trio, can create.
In December 2004, the album ‘BAHAR LIVE-UNDER THE SKY’ released with songs from the ‘BAHAR’ cd and new songs that were recorded live.
Four years later (2008), he released the golden selling cd ‘KISMET’, featuring among others, the Turkish singer Fuat Saka, Greek singer Manolis Lidakis and the master Indian flute player Hariprasad Chaurasia.
In 2012, he collaborated with the renowned clarinet player Manos Achalinotopoulos and oud player Haig Yazdjian performing and touring. At this period, he performs live his ‘Earth Project’ consisted of songs from the ‘Bahar’, ‘Kismet’ cd’s and his new 2017 project ‘URANOS’.
He has an endorsement with Eastman Guitars. His main instruments are an AR803 and his trusty AR910 that he is using in live concerts, clubs, recordings and TV appearances.
Watch Abliantis plays the AR803 and AR910CE Archtop guitars.
Makis Ablianitis has performed in numerous festivals and concerts all over the world, involved with the tuition of jazz and improvisational music, and has millions of views on youtube:
Website: www.makisablianitis.com
Twitter: @makam333
Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpOaYo4noTQ
What They Play
- Neck Material:Maple
- Fingerboard:Ebony
- Fingerboard Radius:12"
- Neck Profile:Traditional Even C
- Nut:Bone 1.72"
- 1st Fret String Height:.022"
- 12th Fret String Height:Bass-.078" & Treble-.062"
- Fretwire:22 Medium Jumbo Jescar 47104
- Scale Length:25"
- Body Style:Venetian
- Body Dimensions:17" x 3 1/8
- Body Top:Solid Spruce
- Body Back/Sides:Solid Handcarved Maple
- Truss Rod:Single Acting
- Binding:Top, Back Fingerboard, F-Holes, Headstock
- Binding Material:Maple
- Logo:Pearl Headstock
- Inlay:N/A
- Side Dot Color:Black
- Finish:Truetone Gloss
- Hardware Color:Gold
- Pickguard:Ebony w/ Maple Binding
- Tailpiece:Ebony on Brass
- Bridge:Adjustable Ebony Bridge
- Tuners:Schaller E-M6Ga
- Knobs:N/A
- Neck Pickup:Lollar Floating Johnny Smith
- Bridge Pickup:N/A
- Pickup Height:3/32"
- Capacitors:0.047μF
- Potentiometers:500k Linear Thumbwheel
- Output Jack:Switchcraft
- Strings:D’Addario NYXL .012 - .052
- Case:Hardshell Case
- Available Colors:Blonde