Guitarist Makis Ablianitis began his relationship with music at the age of 14 when he got his first guitar. He studied theory, harmony and counterpoint classes with
Kostas Klavvas, as well as composition by attending seminary courses delivered by
Theodoros Antoniou. Having completed these studies, he continued with studying advanced theory with Ioannis Avgerinos, and finally, he graduated the courses of fugue and orchestration with excellence. He finalized his studies at
Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he had the opportunity to play with distinguished 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, performing and touring all over the world.
Makis Ablianitis debut album "Flame Keeper" was released in 1997. The album "Bahar" (2000), which established him in the international ethnic scene, marked a turn in his career, since he started to infuse eastern and traditional influences in his music.
He collaborated with
Maria Farantouri in "
Mosaic" (2004), an album which among others featured
Glen Velez,
Fuat Saka,
Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia and
Ross Daly.
He also formed the hammond trio called Hot Organic Trio playing original songs and jazz standards. Makis Ablianitis has numerous participations in festivals and concerts all over the world.