Event
New Blue Balkan Ensemble - Larry Vuckovich's groundbreaking Afro-Serbo Jazz Group
"Most convincing, most intergrated combinations ever of ethnic music and straight ahead Jazz." Cadence "4 1/2 Stars" Downbeat Led by pianist Larry Vuckovich, this popular ensemble has just welcomed drummer Akira Tana to its already impressive line-up, enhancing the groups versatility and its ability to produce its outstanding, ground-breaking mix jazz and Eastern European (Gypsy/Roma), African, and Middle Eastern influences. The new ensemble also features Eric Golub (violin, viola), Tommy Kesecker (marimba), Buca Necak (bass), and Vince Delgado (Middle Eastern percussion).
Larry Vuckovich has long-been recognized as a pioneer, "prefiguring the much-lauded work of Dave Douglas and even John Zorn" by integrating his own rich musical heritage with his superlative skill as a jazz pianist. From the onset of his work with the Blue Balkan Ensemble he has created a "modern context" in which "angular, cubist, post-bop compositions...[and] the gypsy-style melodies, authentically believeable on their own, work effortlessly"
--Matt Collar, AllMusicGuide.com
Blue Balkan: Then and Now from All about Jazz by Mark Turner
"The true test of good jazz is its ability to withstand time. Whether it's a decade or a millennium; good music is always refreshing and moving whenever heard. Jazz pianist Larry Vuckovich's recording Blue Balkan was recorded in 1980 and featured world inspired music with a stellar cast of musicians. Critically acclaimed, it was hailed for its diverse talent and global influences. It has recently been re-released with over thirty minutes of new music and still proves to be vibrant and true. Blue Balkan: Then and Now is a contrast of the old and the new that shows the talent cord of Mr. Vuckovich is still as strong as ever.
"Mr. Vuckovich was born in 1936 in Yugoslavia and his esteemed career has crossed paths with such notables from Mel Torme to Dexter Gordon. His passion and skill have not ebbed, as evident on this new release. The recording features music with heavy world influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. With exotic rhythms and upbeat tempos, the listener is treated to a global jam session. Vuckovich is a skilled pianist with a classic sound that is seasoned with jazz and blues. His diverse background and strong chops display that he can swing hard, play with style and grace one moment, and get down and dirty with the blues, the next. The listener may be moved to do the Tango on the beautiful selection Mediterranean Nights, or may emerge at a late Harlem nightclub, on the killer blues cut After Hours. His diverseness and influences thrive on the new composition Motherless Child/O Javore which blends an African American spiritual with a Serbian Folk song.
"Comparisons with the old and the new recordings reveal an effort to continue the original's vision. The recording features dynamic musicianship with stellar soloists Bobby Hutcherson and Tommy Kesecker on vibes and marimba, and Eric Golub on violin. The
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LocationJazz at Pearl's
256 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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