Bankov, Nikola: Bright Future

Up and coming saxophonist Nikola Bankov is only twenty years old. The Denmark jazz musician has been writing his debut album titled Bright Future for the last four years. And let me tell these musicians do have a bright future as Bankov and his band are top notch players.

Although his music can be filed under jazz the band add some interesting elements throughout, most notably cool synth effects. The sax is also pushed to the limit creating some interesting sounds. The first track “Hope You’ll Get It� is an excellent opener where the entire band is on full display. Beginning with a snazzy drum intro followed by rich and soulful saxophone, the tune takes a turn to the unexpected as some heavier guitar adds a little crunch. Add to that some trippy effects and synths with the band in full rocking mode with tenor and alto saxes trading fiery solo spots. This is pure jazz bliss to be sure. The pace is tempered in the sultry “December 16� where the sax soloing is slow and languid. The tenor and alto sax in “Song for my Country� is simply superb, very melodic and bursting with creativity as the music builds in a powerful crescendo. This just might be the album highlight for me although it’s hard to pick a favourite when there are no weak tracks.

The combination of modern jazz and electronics is fresh and exciting, virtually a fresh palette of sounds with every listen. This is a jazz band I will be watching closely in the coming years.

Track Listing:
1. Hope You’ll Get It (7:53)
2. December 16 (2:51)
3. Song for my Country (7:05)
4. Mind Bubble (5:53)
5. Vibin’ in Denmark (6:40)
6. For All We Love (7:22)
7. Bright Future (4:58)

Added: December 12th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Bandcamp
Hits: 910
Language: english

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