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Vasil Hadžimanov Trio: El Raval
ByThe title refers to a neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, where Hadžimanov had the opportunity to immerse himself in the local music scene and play with musicians at a local jazz club. "El Raval" is soulful and romantic, and the rhythm section provides the perfect vehicle for Hadžimanov to underscore and embellish every note of the melody. In addition to the four original compositions and arrangements the trio has contributed to El Raval (including the producer), there are inspired interpretations of works by drummer Jack DeJohnette saxophonists Ornette Coleman and Wayne Shorter, composer Antonio Carlos Jobim and Macedonian composerand father of this trio's bassistthe late Dragan Gjakonovski-Shpato, a legend in his own lifetime.
The trio is driven by its own deep pulse and provides tension and release to make this modern jazz swing. The opener, "Ahmed the Terrible," is a prime example of the trio's tight but loose playing typical, its improvisations proving to be especially compelling as the trio exhibits great technical ability while simultaneously retaining lyrical eloquence.
The record really showcases Hadžimanov's prowess on (for him rarely used) acoustic piano, his playing at once dynamic and sensitive, bold and impassioned. As front man for the popular Vasil Hadžimanov Banda classic electric fusion grouphis music and playing is expressed through a myriad of keyboards, typically a showcase for technical virtuosity that remains in the shadow of bands such as Weather Report. As much as he is lauded as the Balkan's Joe Zawinul, it is clear that keyboards have obscured rather than bolstered his own original voice. On the other hand, it could be said that Vasil Hadžimanov Band's dynamics have influenced those expressed here on acoustic piano, as the pianist demonstrates an unusual ability to infuse bold statements with expressive nuances. Elsewhere, "Bez Povratok" is a solo bass improv rendition of a composition composed by Gjakonovski's father.
The close communication during these performances is quite impressive, making El Raval both a great musical statement and a meeting of spirits. For the members of this trio, this is just the latest stop on an engaging musical odyssey; hopefully there will be another encounter.
Track Listing
Ahmad the Terrible; Walz for Gino; Ana Maria ; Blues Connotation; El Raval; Olha Maria; Bez Povratok; Good Old Story; Addis Abeba.
Personnel
Vasil Hadžimanov: piano; Martin Gjakonovski: bass; Aleksandar Sekulovski: percussion
Album information
Title: El Raval | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: SJF Records
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