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Kabadayas: Od Ponedelnik
ByChemistry is one of the most important characteristics of any kind of successful jazz ensemble and it's obviously present here. But unlike the debut, these compositions are full of laid-back character with emphasis on subtleties and nuances. Instead of a playful powerhouse, Kabadayas turns into a highly melodic and quietly unpredictable and dramatic sound. The trio's chemistry infuses the entire 30 min recording but can be heard most clearly on the opening "Ponekogas vo 6" where, at one point, Kostadinovski's Scofield-esque guitar lines are captured by Maksimovski deep pulse and Milosavljevic's imaginative drumming. Obviously, the band's approach is more about composition and creating a group vibe, and on Od Ponedelnik the trio creates a distinctive one indeed.
On many of the compositions, the trio displays an influence of guitarist John Scofield's trio with drummer Bill Stewart as the driving engine. Kabadayas pushes the tempo with "Skopilj." All throughout this record Milosavljevic's drumming is not only consistently inventive even though most of the compositions on this album are slow ballads or mid-tempo songs, but the emphasis is more on atmosphere and melody than on the pyrotechnics of which he is capable.
Not all of the works are jazz trio instrumentals. The album also features two songs with two female guest vocalsby Svetlana Jovanovska Trajkovska on "Letame" and Marija Dimitrievik on "Vtora Sredba." "Letame" is based on the same melody as on the opening "Ponekogash vo 6" and is a wonderful late night song gently sung by Svetlana. Kostadinovski's playing is entirely different with, minimal amplification, evoking Kenny Burrell as he produces a quietly inventive statement. On the other hand, Dimitrievik scats all throughout "Vtora Sredba," which lends a playful bossa-nova feel. This song was originally written by the late pianist Dragisha Soldatovich-Labish and is one of the two covers on this record, the other being "New Ooze" by bassist Tony Levin. "New Ooze" is a dark and melodic tune where Maksimovski evokes Levin's Chapman Stick ominous melodies. The joy in collaboration continues on remaining three tracks: "Portret," "Like Mike" and "Vo Zima," where the interplay resembles a good conversation among friends.
An appealing aspect of this trio's approach on this record is that it prizes the understated as well. There aren't any grand statements here, no big demonstrations or fireworks, but the music is full of surprises and subtleties, and it delights from start to finish.
Track Listing
Ponedelnik vo 6; Skopilj; Letame; Vtora Sredba; Portret; Like Mike; Vo ZIma, New Ooze.
Personnel
Zoran Kostadinovski: guitar; Gjoko Maksimovski:- Djole: bass guitar; Dino Milosavljevik: drums and percussion; Marija Dimitrijevikj: vocals; Svetlana Jovanovska Trajkovska: vocals; Pavle Vasiljevikj: piano, programming. Марија Димитриевиќ Вокал Светлана Јовановска-Трајкоска Вокал Павле Васиљевиќ Клавир
Album information
Title: Od Ponedelnik | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: 3 Gonga