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The Guardian issues article on Azerbaijan`s jazzman
20 February 2014
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The Guardian has published an article about acclaimed Azerbaijani jazz sensation Shahin Novrasli.
Headlined “Shahin Novrasli: Bayati – review”, the article says: “Shahin Novrasli is an eclectic Azerbaijani musician, who – like compatriot pianists Vagif Mustafazade and Aziza Mustafa Zadeh – has built a reputation beyond his homeland for a tumultuous fusion of American jazz and the local mugam folk tradition. Novrasli was a local classical star in his teens, and his jazz virtuosity is often breathtaking – like Brad Mehldau`s contrapuntal-improv approach delivered at blazing tempos, or Herbie Hancock`s left-hand chording reworked with jarring harmonies and wilful rhythmic diversions. Novrasli`s themes seem informed by his folk roots and Broadway songs, and he loves rapidly churning ostinato patterns over rocking hooks, multi-themed slow-burners (the tune of Bayati Shiraz is a rumble of low chords, briefly harrumphing rejoinders and short bursts of whirling dance melody), soft meditations against left-hand walks that snap into silky, Bill Evans-like swing. His touch is exquisite and his speed jaw-dropping, and if his flood-tides of sound can swamp you after an hour or so, there are more than enough startlingly fresh ideas here, from a culture still relatively unfamiliar to jazz.”
