Jazz Articles
Our daily articles are carefully curated by the All About Jazz staff. You can find more articles by searching our website, see what's trending on our popular articles page or read articles ahead of their published dates on our Coming Soon page. Read our daily album reviews.
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Gjoko Grujovski: Deep Blue
by Nenad Georgievski
Gjoko Grujovski's sophomore album, Deep Blue, is a compelling showcase of his prowess as a jazz guitarist and composer. All six compositions are originals, brimming with inventive ideas and nuanced playing, which capture the listener's attention from start to finish. Grujovski, alongside bassist Simeon Angelov and drummer Damjan Grujo, exhibits a remarkable chemistry that drives the album's dynamic flow. While the format is simple--trio music and trio music-making--there is nothing simple about the tremendous display of musicianship, energy ...
Continue ReadingSashko Nikolovski: Not for Sale
by Nenad Georgievski
In the world of jazz, the age at which an artist releases their debut album holds little significance. What truly matters is their ability to demonstrate compositional and playing prowess whenever the opportunity to record arises. Trombonist Sashko Nikolovski exemplifies this notion, with a wealth of experience and diversity which sets him apart. Having been an invaluable member of various ensembles, his musical portrait reveals a musician deeply rooted in jazz while also embracing a wide range of musical influences. ...
Continue ReadingSkopje Jazz Inc.: Incorporated
by Nenad Georgievski
Skopje Jazz Inc.'s debut album is contemporary jazz of character and drive. The musicians, seasoned members of the Macedonian scene, approach this record with gusto, energy, and sensitivity. While trumpeter Trajče Velkov and guitarist Zoran Kostadinovski each contributed the compositions to Incorporated, there is an exceptional equanimity on display, which makes it seem like each composition was written with the others in mind. There are plenty of melodies and the quartet's feisty interplay explores the themes in all directions. The ...
Continue ReadingGordan Spasovski Trio: Light Pillar
by Nenad Georgievski
Pianist Gordan Spasovski's debut album Light Pillar moves fluidly from meditative notes to bursts of rapid-fire jabs, meticulously sculpted by the accompanying band. A ubiquitous presence in Skopje's jazz community for several years Spasoski shows up his abilities as a bandleader, and his wealth of talent, vision, and discipline on this record. He leads an excellent pool of players, all of whom he has worked with on various occasions, and the outcome reflects the true sign of their maturity as ...
Continue ReadingDzijan Emin & The Magical Orchestra: Live in Ohrid
by Nenad Georgievski
Recorded live, composer Dzijan Emin's Magical Orchestra uses a different kind of impulse, spectrum of colors and kind of propulsion from all his previous projects. By now, his audience should be used to his shape-shifting ways. Emin, who has a unique and diverse musical approach and boasts an extensive résumé, has been navigating from one shape-shifting project to another and has been pushing boundaries from one project to another. He has been conducting at the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra, writing arrangements ...
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