Saso Popovski: Steps

Steps is a sublime, gentle and captivating journey into the realm of jazz guitar, reminiscent of the great Kenny Burrell and Bill Frisell but with its own unique flavor. For fans of classical jazz guitars, characterized by their sublime and slow melodies, this album is a must-listen. Saso Popovski, an accomplished guitarist and manager of the Bitola Jazz Festival, brings forth a concept deeply rooted in the constant variation of melodies, emphasizing sound, textures, interaction, and space.

Backed by his regular band with several colorful guests (keyboardist Vasil Hadzimanov, percussionist Ratko Dautovski, violinist Olivier Samouillan and saxophonist Kiril Kuzmanov), Popovski delivers seven originals. While not someone who will dazzle listeners with technical feats and creative spark, Popovski enraptures them with oceans of smooth harmonic motion and all-enveloping sonic auras. His voicings and quicksilver guitar shape the tunes without being overbearing. Popovski combines a great respect for the lyrical with harmonic chorded lines and a sweet tone in his work. The slow ballads with their subtle harmonies are tastefully restrained.

From the opening title composition until the closing "Lava," the compositions flow into each other while also working beautifully as stand alone pieces. Throughout Steps there is an impressive amount of variety displayed within the modern jazz mainstream, along with near-telepathic reactions by the musicians. The album is well programmed with medium-tempo pieces generally alternating with ballads.

The musical landscape of Steps is a captivating tapestry, ranging from effectively quiet to extremely dominant motifs. Velvety improvisations and repeating ornaments add depth to the musical space, creating a rich and evolving sonic experience. The album's ambiance shifts from moments of happiness and radiance to slow, mystical passages, from African upbeats to dreamy 6/8 waltzes.

One of the remarkable aspects of Steps is the transparency of its sound, which accentuates the sense that every musician contributes equally to shaping the character and mood of each track. It is a testament to the deep aesthetic affinity shared by these musicians, allowing each of them to bring something unique and distinct to every tune.

Popovski's Steps is a captivating and deeply rewarding exploration of sound, melody, and emotion. It exudes a sense of discovery mixed with mystery. Popovski's gentle yet profound approach to jazz guitar, combined with the seamless interplay of his band and guest musicians, creates an enchanting experience for listeners. From the sublime melodies to the intricate harmonies, "Steps" offers a rich and diverse sonic palette which beckons one to explore its every nuance.

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