Simon Nabatov 3+2: Verbs

Renowned Germany-based pianist Simon Nabatov's piano work is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, weaving intricate melodies and harmonies that unfold with each track. And his fingers dance across the keys with a precision and passion that is almost scandalous, as if the piano itself blushes with each touch.

One notable aspect of the outing is its eclectic range of influences. Nabatov effortlessly incorporates elements from various musical traditions, including classical, avant-garde, and free jazz. This fusion of styles results in a rich and textured soundscape.

The musicians throw convention out the window. Forget meticulously composed melodies and pre-defined structures. This album is a testament to the power of free improvisation, an appealing journey fueled by the interplay between a talented quintet and the evocative power of single words.

"Pray" opens the album with a sense of longing and reverence, complete with Leonard Huhn's wistful clarinet lines and Philip Zoubek's haunting background EFX as the band takes on an exploratory free-form mode of operations. Yet "Race" explodes with frantic energy, where Huhn's alto sax soloing speeds atop a swiftly flowing current. "Reveal" unfolds like a blossoming flower, gradually revealing its hidden beauty, while "Evolve" takes the listener on a journey through fragmented melodies and glitchy electronics, evoking a sense of a future both uncertain and exciting.

For those who appreciate free improvisation and the raw energy of the moment, Verbs is a rewarding listen. It highlights the exceptional faculty of the musicians involved and their ability to create compelling narratives from a single word. Nabatov's piano work, alongside his talented ensemble, creates intoxicating revelations and cryptic imagery. The lexical calls to arms instigate disparate, virtuosic responses as the artists capture the essence of language, transforming it into an enticing musical experience.