JazzWorldQuest 2023: Ilya Dynov (USA)-Album: Bridges

Ilya Dynov-Bridges

Featuring: Alex Norris: trumpet, Jihee Heo: piano, Lonnie Plaxico: bass, Ilya Dynov: drums

Constellation

With his debut album “Bridges”, New York-based jazz drummer Ilya Dynov reveals himself as an outstanding contender on the jazz scene, boasting credits as a formidable performer, composer, and bandleader. The music, ranging in various jazz styles, combines tradition with virtuosity and maintains a high level of creative freedom while displaying a mature sense of harmony.

The record consists of all original compositions by Dynov and features an array of world class talent out of New York. Joining Ilya Dynov on drums are the legendary bassist Lonnie Plaxico, known for his work with Art Blakey, Jack Dejohnette and Cassandra Wilson, extraordinary trumpeter Alex Norris who regularly performs with the Vanguard and Mingus Big Bands, and the exceptional pianist Jihee Heo, a rising star in the NYC jazz scene.

“Bridges” comprises 9 tracks: four in a piano trio setting, three as a quartet with trumpet, and two flavorful drum solos provide the “Intro” and “Finale” statements.

Some of the greatest highlights can be found in the song entitled “Constellation”. This intense modern jazz tune shines through the virtuosity of Alex Norris and Jihee Heo; as soloists they display an amazingly creative and rhythmically strong character undergirded by Ilya Dynov and Lonnie Plaxico.

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JazzWorldQuest 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Florian Arbenz, Jorge Vistel, Wolfgang Puschnig, Oren Marshall, Michael Arbenz-Conversation #8 – Ablaze

Arbenz- Vistel- Puschnig- Marshall- M. Arbenz - Conversation #8 - Ablaze

Swiss composer and drummer Florian Arbenz’s Conversations series continues with “Ablaze”, a new album where is joined by British tuba musician Oren Marshall, Austrian saxophonist Wolfgang Puschnig, Swiss pianist Michael Arbenz and Cuban trumpet player Jorge Vistel.

As always his drumming spans a wide spectrum of tonalities and rhythms, ranging from organic, free-flowing beats to strong strokes, which offers this all-star multinational gathering of talents support and vitality.

Right from the start British tuba player Oren Marshall showcases his prowess giving strength and heart to the interaction. On the opening track, “Catch Me If You Can,” the tuba’s rich, resonant tones support Florian Arbenz‘s inventive drumming and the vivacious free discussion between the trumpet and saxophone.

“Rivulets” starts off gently with the tuba soloing an amazing “throat singing”-like intro, followed by saxophone, and trumpet playing in unison, building further into a jazzy blues crescendo with all players dancing gleefully, before making room for exuberant saxophone and trumpet solos.
The lyrical highlight of the set is “Choral,” a gorgeous impressionistic work in which the melodic piano unfolds with all its splendour.

In full force “The Mirror” follows, the entertaining melodic line sustained by tuba introducing thrilling saxophone and trumpet solos. Freedom Dance present on Arbenz’s previous albums, gets new clothes reaching a big band quality full of surprises with Puschnig playing hojok (a Korean wind instrument). On “Wild flower,” a minimalist velvety ballad with moments of brilliance from Vistel’s trumpet, the pianist Michael Arbenz shines once more.

The free-form “Insight Straight” rounds up the seven-piece performance with a creative tour de force in which all the instruments combine their creative forces to produce an amalgam of unexpected sonorities.
Strongly advised for jazz lovers open to a “burning” artistic adventure.

Bandcamp

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: The Steve Fidyk Live Wire Broad Band (USA)- Album: Red Beats

The Steve Fidyk Live Wire Broad Band-Red Beats

The Steve Fidyk Live Wire Broad Band (USA)- Album: Red Beats

Integrating rhythmic power with musical taste, drummer Steve Fidyk returns to his big band roots, distinctly showcasing his dominant performance skills on this unique collection of original music.

His fourth date as a leader features an all-star band of musicians who hail from the ranks of The Buddy Rich Big Band, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau, The Army Blues, The Navy Commodores, and The Airmen of Note.

Featured soloists include some of New York’s finest — guitar legend Jack Wilkins, tenor saxophone titan Walt Weiskopf and contemporary organist Brian Charette. Each soloist is an engaged participant that pushes Fidyk’s polyrhythmic message direct to the battleground.

Release Date:
February 20, 2023

Blue Canteen Music CD Store

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2021: Florian Arbenz(Switzerland)- François Moutin(France)- Maikel Vistel(Cuba) Album: Conversation #4 – Vulcanized

Florian Arbenz(Switzerland)- François Moutin(France)- Maikel Vistel(Cuba) Album: Conversation #4 – Vulcanized
Florian Arbenz’s new Conversation album called Vulcanized reveals to be a fluid interaction of undeniable virtuosity between three well established artists. What a joy to hear Maikel Vistel and François Moutin bright combination of saxophone and bass and Florian Arbenz’s compelling taste and movement.
Besides the five originals we can listen to three inventive fresh takes on well-known compositions of Thelonious Monk, Joe Zawinul and Bill Evans. Last minute changes to the band members makes for a rough-around-the-edges surprise that rejuvenates pumping up the creative juices. The change is exactly what the album needs: to elevate the sound to authentic mastery, the likes of which the jazz fan is looking for. The perfect setting for consuming this music is fireside, with eyes shut, and all senses tuned to the vivid vision that this work imagines. Hackensack is a breakout, powerful piece that entrances the listener with high-energy notes and fast-paced journey through the musician’s mind. The nearly six-minute masterpiece is zany and energetic, and calls the listener to come along for the bumpy ride and enjoy not the destination but the sights along the way. In contrast, Scarlet Woman drags the attention into the piece with a soft intro that quickly becomes a sultry, warm piece filled with musical melodrama.
A special mention of the introspective A Soothing Thrill infused with a range of poetic, mysterious layers. Overall, the arrangements are cohesive yet leaving enough space to all three musicians to showcase their abilities . The feat that was this production by the trio was nothing short of impressive, and creates much promise for Florian Arbenz’s future creative encounters.
Florian Arbenz on Bandcamp

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2021

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2021: Sinclair Lott(USA)-Album: Long Story Short

Sinclair Lott-Long Story Short

Sinclair Lott(USA)-Checkered Past
Album: Long Story Short
Label: Blue Canoe Records
Drum extraordinaire and composer Sinclair Lott delivers a thoughtful straight-ahead jazz album with a modern twist. Featuring Bob Sheppard (saxophones), Tigran Hamasyan (piano), Danny McKay (bass), and Sinclair Lott (drums). This ten song album titled, “Long Story Short” features seven original compositions and three cover tunes by Dizzy Gileespie, Dave Brubeck and Ornette Coleman. Fans of traditional jazz will enjoy listening to Sinclair’s Story of music with this uplifting collection of compositions and performances.
Website

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2021