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Gordan Spasovski Trio: Light Pillar
ByThe opening title track is bright, loving and tender, with affecting melodies which conjure an optimistic mood reminiscent of Bill Evans' gentle romanticism. Filipovski colors the music with brushes in subtle yet masterful ways. Spasovski's touch is just right, lovely and restrained when he needs it to be and expressive and dynamic in other moments. "Burning Sands" is where the trio begins to take off. There is a versatile, tasteful swinging by Filipovski which propels the others to dizzying heights. The music is expertly executed with elegance and taste by these three team players; the rapport they all share on this track is as unimpeachable as their individual talent. "Outside of the Time" features jazz singer and Spasovski's old musical partner, Johnny Ilija Apelgreen, reciting a poem by Macedonian poet Nikola Madžirov as the band provides the perfect setting for his unique voice. Apart from the trio tracks, two solo piano compositions, "Virgin Diamond" and "Contentment," show that Spasovski is a great ballad composer and player.
Throughout, Spasovski appears to be an exceptionally thorough worker. Regardless of the setting, trio or solo, he investigates the myriad of possibilities a melody can have but often in an expected jazz improvising framework. His articulation of harmony and rhythm is a reflection of a mainstream jazz orthodoxy, but his impeccable control of dynamics adds another dimension to the music. In the end, Spasovski's sensibility as a bandleader and writer is what informs the album, but the group's energy, riveting intensity of their musical exchanges and quick thinking across eight compositions on Light Pillar offer a plethora of wonders on this near-flawless debut.
Track Listing
Light Pillar; Burning Sands; Outside of the Time; Large Marbel; Virgo Diamond; The Dance of the Rifflebird; Contentment; In the Late Evening Hours.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Gordan Spasovski: piano; Viktor Filipovski: drums; Kiril Tufekchievski: double bass
Album information
Title: Light Pillar | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Zjm
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