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Vasil Hadzimanov Band: Zivota Mi
ByA gifted keyboardist, Hadžimanov (the band's leader and composer) balances the fiery tendencies of the classic fusion era with his reflective, sometimes regal approach. Života mi is virtuosic in its execution; relentlessly rhythmic and unmistakably excellent. What makes it so great is his strong and increasingly mature writing, which provides a great basis upon which the players can build. Most compositions are in the four-minute range and, compared to previous pieces, are radio friendly.
The album roars to life with "Balkan tribes," an impressive mosaic of Balkan folk sounds backed by infectious grooves, gypsy melodies and virtuosic cimbalom swings, courtesy of Misel Kurina of Gyass Orchestra. In recent years, Hadžimanov has taken part in other ethnic jazz bands such as Bace Quartet and Balkan Wind; soaking up the experience there, he brings those sounds and rhythms back to his primary band. Backed by a combo, featuring a huge list of guests playing all kinds of instruments, it certainly adds a different flavor to the norm. The players are both technically adept and creative, and the whole combo delivers music with a nice variety in style and emphasis. There is also remarkable depth to the writing; "Martina Misteria" is a curious track with wonderful and playful guitar and flute interplay, while "Perdao" is a melodic, breezy vocal tune with contributions by Bisera and Senka Velentanić.
"Slankamen" is heavily influenced by gypsy melodies. The way the band interacts is a good example of a chemistry that permeates every corner of this album. It is unmistakably a jazz performanceharmonically daring, with the band stretching but not breaking the jazz envelope. "Space Virshla" generates a ribbon of tension and anticipation with its playful piano runs, while "Ahmad the Terrible" is a rhythmic rush of pure adrenaline.
With a beautiful blend of writing and playing Života Mi is Vasil Hadžimanov's most mature and fully realized album to date; breaking new ground without totally abandoning the past.
Track Listing
Balkan tribes; Perdao; Martina misterija; Give me (the) 9; Života mi; Slankamen (Salt Rock City); Space Virshla; E Train for Wayne: Ahmad the Terrible; Krstachko oro (live).
Personnel
Vasil Hadžimanov: piano, Rhodes, keyboards, voice; Vladimir Samardžić: bass; Srđan Dunkić Johnny: drums; Bojan Ivković: percussion, voice; Senka Velentanic: vocal (2); Bisera Velentanic: vocal (2), Brankica Vasić Vasilisa: vocal (10); Jasna Jovicević: flute (3), alt saxophone (4), soprano saxophone (9); Teodossi Spasov: kaval (10); Samir Kurtov: zurla (10); Branko Trijić: ac. guitar (1-3, 6); Mišel Kurina: cimbalom (1, 6); Aleksandar Sedlar: acc.guitar (10); Gudači Svetog Đorđa (10); Bachar Khalife: bender, rek (1, 4-6, 10); Aleksandar Petrov: tapan (10); Svebor Šakić: voice (1).
Album information
Title: Zivota Mi | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: PGP RTS
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