The Brazilian Igor Willcox Quartet‘s spectacular live performance, Live at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022 (Bulgaria), took place during that year’s Bansko Jazz Festival. The four virtuosos are known for their innovative musicianship, outstanding interaction, and captivating groove, and the new release perfectly captures the intensity and vibrancy of this stunning live performance . We hear a collection of catchy songs that were previously released on studio albums, now enhanced by the sparkling spontaneity propelled by the band’s drummer and leader, Igor Willcox, who is performing at his peak along his brilliant fellow musicians. He effortlessly switches between fast and slow rhythms, adding interesting rhythmic improvisations, mixing texture and dynamics with his known virtuosity. The album abounds in clever and entertaining solos. Erik Escobar on keys has impressive solo interventions of great impact on “Brotherhood” , “Message From Another Dimension” , UFO, “The Scare” “Thankful” and “Room 73”. Super-Saxophonist Wagner Barbosa is all over the place unleashing his creative force either interacting with his band mates or charming us with amazing solos on “North City” and “Room 73” just to mention a few . Glecio Nascimento on bass takes the spotlight on “North City”, “Room 73”. Overall this is an album for jazz fusion enthusiasts who will be excited to listen to a concert unique in inventiveness, dynamics and mastery.
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF THIS ALBUM…
This album has a special meaning for us. It’s the result of 3 concerts that we did in Eastern Europe. We visited fantastic countries including Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Serbia. The people were friendly and accommodating. We were well received and celebrated!!! Bansko Jazz Festival was our first concert. A
grand festival with an impressive setup allround. A picturesque, cozy, and mountainous city with polite and attentive people, rich in culture.
It was so exciting! Certainly, one of the best shows we’ve ever done, and the memories will last
a lifetime! To everyone from Bansko, thank you for the kindness, we hope to be back soon!
Special Thanks to:
Iliana Ivanova, Nikolina Mihailova and all of Bansko Jazz Festival staff, Branislav and all of Nisville Jazz Festival staff, Primoz and Imago Sloveniae.
To my dear brothers, wonderful musicians and human beings: Erik Escobar, Wagner Barbosa,
and Glecio Nascimento. Thanks for always delivering your best! Love you, my brothers!
To my beloved wife, Audrey Willcox, for giving me love and all the support for this tour. To my
mom, Sonia Willcox, and my sister Kika Willcox.
To my friends Ze Cintra, and Vanessa Tonetto for the press kit photos. To my English teacher Myrtle! Your lessons were essential for my self-confidence and they assisted me during the tour.
To my great friend and drum master Giba Favery, who kindly provided the IP&T space for our open rehearsal.
Recorded at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022, Bansko, Bulgaria. This record was made thanks to www.banskojazzfest.bg
Credits:
Wagner Barbosa: Saxophone, Aerophone
Erik Escobar – keys
Glecio Nascimento – bass
Igor Willcox – drums
Mixing and Mastering: Igor Willcox
Cover Photos: Dimitar Aleksov
Text Review: Myrtle Fourie
Sponsors:
Igor Willcox uses Nagano Drums, Domene Cymbals, Datalink Cables, Williams DrumHeads and
DrumSticks, and Power Click.
Wagner Barbosa uses Roland.
Track List:
1- 2020 (Igor Willcox)
2- U.F.O (Igor Willcox)
3- Brotherhood (Igor Willcox)
4- Message From Another Dimension (Igor Willcox)
5- North City (Igor Willcox)
6- The Scare (Igor Willcox)
7- Thankful (Igor Willcox)
8- Room 73 (Igor Willcox)
Label: Room 73 Records
Release Date: Mach/15/2023