The New Year began with a big loss in the field of culture.

It is very difficult to talk about the loss of such a kind and prudent creator, who taught morality all his life, both by the attitude of his life and the quality of his work.

The sound of his guitar is familiar. He accompanied dozens of performers, leading them into the world of music, to his own musical visions. From the pioneers of the New Wave, in the 60s, when every evening in battles, by candlelight, young people of that time worked out their feelings, experiences, love through gentle and highly romantic songs. There, Notis Mavrudis painted moments with his tones, moments that become images that struggle with time.

I remember Notis in the studio when we were recording the “Eros anikate mahan” album, how he insisted on detailing every musical phrase, every verse, and how he led the performer through his musical landscape.

One of the most powerful moments I experienced with him was on a winter afternoon in 1984 in the studio in Neo Heraklion, when a group of friends gathered to sing the emblematic “Morning Cigarette” by Alkis Alkaios. There were Sakis Boulas, Yannis Siamsiaris, Giorgos Merantsas, Thanasis Nikopoulos, and I was lucky enough to take fifth place in our impromptu choir.

Under the direction of Noti Mavrudis, we became a melodic ensemble that sang with youthful enthusiasm and great musical precision, following the sounds of the guitar. Our moments were unforgettable. The muse of music has touched us.

Notis Mavrudis is a restless spirit and tireless artist. His broadcasts reflected his sensitive strings as well as his deep knowledge.

Notis Mavrudis painted moments with his tones, moments that become images struggling with time.

He was a restless citizen and very often interfered in public discourse, either through print or the Internet.

A guitar teacher, he passed on his knowledge to his students, who today excel as soloists. Through the guitar works he recorded, through the TAR magazine, he helped the most in the rise of his favorite instrument in our country.

His work of high artistic value is his own contribution of the soul, his own legacy, his own contribution to our music, to our song, to those who love and praise life.

I cherish all the memories and musical experiences I had with him. I was lucky to be in his way.

I am deeply indebted to him.

* Mr. Kostas Tomaidis is a songwriter.