Protoleia, the debut jazz/world release from the Mahlis-Panos Project, is the latest in a history of collaborations between Dimitris "Jimmy" Mahlis and Anastasios "Toss" Panos. Of the eight instrumental tracks, six are originals composed by Dimitris Mahlis. Two others, Wayne Shorter's "Masqualero" and "Thalassa" (a traditional Greek piece), round out the disc. Using their shared Greek heritage as a backdrop, a blending of eastern and western traditions is achieved which reaches new heights of musical adventurism. Drummer “Toss” Panos (Robben Ford, John Scofield, Draco Rosa) is known worldwide as a unique voice on his instrument. He has become an in-demand rock, jazz and blues drummer on the live and recorded scene. Oudist, guitarist and composer Dimitris “Jimmy” Mahlis (A.R. Rahman, Freddie Hubbard, Airto Moreira) has become known in musical circles as an eclectic interpreter of many musical traditions. In live performance, the Mahlis-Panos Project exhibit their commitment to spontaneous artistic explorations. Their debut release, Protoleia, captures this artistic aesthetic fully. •“...Protoleia undulates with an inviting, sensual sound.” Franz A. Matzner - All About Jazz