Mashin, Sasha: Outsidethebox

Sasha Mashin is a Moscow-based drummer who has slowly risen to the top of the Russian jazz music scene. He began following his muse studying at the Musorgsky Music School but only attended for a couple months as he was committed to starting his professional music career. He played with saxophonist Igor Butman’s band in the mid to late ‘90s and helped form the Mosgor Trio band in 1998. In 2005 Mashin began collaborating with trumpeter Alex Sipiagin and formed a lasting musical relationship. In September, Mashin released his debut album as a leader titled Outsidethebox.

On the album opening “Sipiagin’s Mood�, a mash up of two of his songs, the band begins its stellar musicianship from the very first drum hits. The vocals of Hiske Oosterwijk are perfectly suitable for jazz and before long the soloists get involved delivering trumpet, piano, bass and drum solos, each fantastic in their own way. Next we have “Jazzmashin�, another stunning display of groove and musicianship. The slinky rhythms, expressive vocals and dynamic flute are represented in equal measure. More great solos abound including trumpet and a wild bit of avant sax work to close it out. With the instrumental “7=5� a tricky rhythm is adeptly applied by Mashin and the alto sax solo from Rosario Giuliani is scintillating. Then Sipiagin’s trumpet returns the music into calmer waters with another great solo. All the while Mashin’s fanciful drumming and pocket grooving setting the pace. Some fast fretwork from guitarist Evgeny Pobozhiy further adds to this tune’s many layers. On the slightly chaotic “Paint� the brass section’s simultaneous improvising is softened by Oosterwijk’s sultry vocals. The band is given ample room to take flight and they take full advantage exhibiting each musician’s considerable chops. The album ends with the African/Brazilian inspired “Omulu Dance�, beginning with a slightly chaotic fragmentation of sounds before the heavy groove is punctuated with excellent bass from Daria Chernakova and Makar Novikov. It’s a sizzling performance from the entire band.

Outsidethebox is just an expertly played and crafted debut album from an artist who knows how to get the best out of each band member. And that’s exactly what a leader is supposed to do. Simple superb!

Track Listing:
1. Sipiagin’s Mood
2. Jazzmashin
3. 7=5
4. Paint
5. Some Thomas
6. Strange Party
7. Sharp Night
8. Ku Ku
9. Omulu Dance

Added: October 4th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1155
Language: english

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