Tolis relocated from Greece to London in 2001 where he studied a 3 year degree course at the world famous Guitar Institute. After his graduation he was invited to join the Institute as a guitar teacher and tutor. Since then Tolis has coloborated, performed and toured with many artists such as Vanessa Mae, Livan, Anna Savege, The Duvets, The Locals, Me’sha Bryan, Killiopi and many more. He has also worked with producers Peter Greenwell (Flop-Star), Benny D (Depeche Mode), John Robertson (Morcheeba), David Crefield (Kaiser Chiefs).
Tolis has developed a unique music style incorporating jazz, rock, ethnic and orchestral elements in his compositions, in conjunction with sounds and rhythms borrowed from East European countries and Greek traditional music. This unique composition approach offers the listener the pleasure of a magical musical journey in the tradition and culture of jazz through Eastern European countries.
Tolis has recorded two CDs as a leader “Sounds from the Past” (2007) and his new release “II” (2009) which features Pete Lockett(Steve Smith) on tabla, Laurence Cottle(Eric Clapton) on bass, Neil Angilley(Shirley Bassey) on piano, Fergus Gerrand(Madonna) on percussion Beruz Game(XFactor) on vocals, Mark Bobb on violin, Babis Margaritidis on percussion, Hugh Richardson on bass and Daffys on Greek traditional clarinet.
Tolis is an official regular contributor of the world famous “Guitar Techniques Magazine” and “All Out Guitar” Online Magazine. He also teaches at the IGF summer camps. In May 2004 Tolis won the prestigious “London Guitar Hero” competition, which took place at the Wembley Conference Centre. He endorses Musicman guitars and Line 6 products and also holds regular clinics in the U.K. and Greece.
