Anton Mikhailov: Today Yesterday

Anton Mikhailov's life, like his music, reflects the complex and often tumultuous journey of an artist in Eastern Europe. Born in the conflict-ridden Horlivka, Donetsk region of Ukraine, his path led him from the Murmansk College of Art to Moscow and eventually to his current home in Tbilisi, Georgia. This nomadic existence and the emotional weight of his travels are the central themes of his album Today Yesterday. According to Mikhailov, the album is deeply autobiographical. The compositions serve as sonic reflections of his life's chapters, from displacement and longing to moments of quiet hope and optimism.

The title tune is the album's most direct musical statement about Mikhailov's journey. Written at the age of 19, just before his significant move from Murmansk to Moscow, the track captures the anticipation and transformation of that period. It is a percussive and melodic piece, featuring startling pauses and rhythmic shifts reminiscent of Herbie Hancock's work with the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s. The pianist's aggressive, "two-fisted" approach hints at a sense of frustration or anger, underscoring the turmoil of this life transition.

Mikhailov's arrangement of "Danseuses De Delphe," a Debussy piece, is a bold reimagining, injecting a forceful intensity that distinguishes it from the French composer's original. The arrangement, suggested by the drummer Roman Reznik, showcases a more raw, powerful side of the pianist's artistry.

"Bitterly" is a poignant reflection on his move to Tbilisi. It channels the sadness and longing that come with separation from loved ones and the uncertainty of adapting to a new place. The lyrical quality of Mikhailov's playing is particularly evident here, with a melody that cuts straight to the emotional core of the piece, following an attractive downward trajectory.

"Izo," composed during the 2020 COVID lockdown, captures the profound solitude of a deserted student dormitory. The piece has a well-defined rhythm with twists and surprises, creating a sense of forward momentum. The virtuosic bass solo by Ivan Lipatov attempts to echo this feeling of isolation. Despite the theme, Mikhailov's inherent optimism shines through, as he masterfully builds and engineers musical pauses that suggest hope.

The "Thoughts I-III" are a highlight of the album—unusual, solo piano miniatures recorded on Mikhailov's upright piano at home. These lo-fi recordings offer a glimpse into his personal world, free from the trio format, allowing his lyrical gifts to shine.

The track "Rush" begins slowly, almost in the style of Erik Satie, before an abrupt pause leads into a sudden, rhythmic transition. The subsequent flow of ideas from the piano is both attractive and engaging. The track "Simple" is anything but. It is a complex piece where the melody eventually soars over a mesmerizing rhythm, with Ivan Lipatov's solo exploring a darker, more brooding side of the composition before the piano skips merrily forward.

Mikhailov is supported by a trio, each with their own story. Ivan Lipatov (bass) studied at the prestigious Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow but was forced to abandon his final year of studies after the outbreak of war. He relocated to Tbilisi in 2022, where he has become an integral part of the local jazz scene, performing both traditional and contemporary jazz. Beyond his playing, Lipatov also has interests in sound and video production.

Mikhailov has a high regard for drummer Roman Reznik, though his style can sometimes feel a bit out of place in the trio format. His approach seems more suited to a big band, with some of his work on this album coming across as unsympathetic to the delicate nature of the pieces. The use of brushes, in particular, seems to be a skill Reznik could further develop.

Mikhailov's wide-ranging influences, from jazz masters like Herbie Hancock, Tigran Hamasyan, and Robert Glasper to classical composers such as Shostakovich and Kapustin, are evident throughout the album. At the beginning of his musical life, he already possesses a formidable technique, a strong sense of structure, and an undeniable melodic gift. With his ambition, determination, and love of jazz, Anton Mikhailov is an artist to watch.