Vasko Atanasovski Adrabesa Quartet: Phoenix

Here is a rather unique take on world/Eastern folk/jazz by the Adrabesa Quartet, led by Slovene saxophonist Vasko Atanasovski. The album is titled Phoenix and consists of nine tracks and fifty-one minutes of music.

The uniqueness comes in the way of the instrument list which includes accordion but with no bass and guitar. For those questioning the ‘low end’ fear not as the tuba ventures into that territory. The music is generally upbeat and melodic with a high degree of virtuosity. These musicians play with a fiery gusto that will be appreciated by musicians and non-musicians alike.

The jaunty and upbeat “Meeting� gets the album rolling as an eastern European melody, almost Gypsy like in spirit, is captured by the cello. Ariel is Vasko’s son and his a very talented string player. His string work is found all over this disc, often intertwining with the accordion, creating some truly virtuosic moments. Repeating layers of cello and accordion define the intricate “Green Nymph�, along with the tuba of French musician Michel Godard supplying the low end. The busy drum work of Polish-German musician Bodek Janke provides the framework for some sizzling accordion and cello interplay. The music is both complex and catchy, both refreshing and utterly disparate in the quartet’s approach to musical form. Awesome saxophone highlights the rhythmic “Balet�, asserting Atanasovski’s expertise. The tuba solo is also noteworthy as is the song’s highly creative use of atmospheres.

When music this complex and melodic comes together sounding this cohesive and virtuosic, the results are often stunning. Such is the case with Phoenix, an album I easily recommend.

A Moonjune Records release.

Band members:
Vasko Atanasovski (alto and soprano saxophone, flute)
Simone Zanchini (accordion)
Michel Godard (tuba, serpent)
Bodek Janke (drums and tabla)
Guest:
Ariel Vei Atanasovski (cello)

Track Listing:
1. Meeting (4:38)
2. Green Nymph (6:36)
3. The Partisan Song (3:58)
4. Liberation (11:18)
5. Balet (3:35)
6. Concerto Epico (7:31)
7. Thornica (6:14)
8. Yellow Sky (3:20)
9. Outro (3:44)

Added: August 30th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 511
Language: english

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