Hristo Vitchev Quartet - In Search of Wonders (2016)

Label: First Orbit Sounds Music

Source: Cdbaby 

The highly anticipated double album by the impressionistic Hristo Vitchev Quartet marks the 7th release as a leader for the internationally acclaimed guitarist.
The new compositions and sonic textures explored here, catalog the evolution of this award winning group over the last decade, and present a sound and style that is completely unique and truly identifiable with the quartet. For the recording of this project the group decided to first take the music on the road all around the world, and let each piece evolve night after night, letting it settle naturally and effortlessly into its final shape and place, which you can now experience on this marvelous release.

"Beautiful. Complex. Aerial. Solid. Listening to guitarist Hristo Vitchev is like waiting for blessings, and watch them as they come rushing in to the soul, making it brighter." - Esther Berlanga-Ryan (Jazz Journalist)

“In Search of Wonders is more than one-hundred minutes of diverse, accessible and engaging music. As he has long been, Vitchev is beyond proficient in his array of techniques while remaining an overall impressionist; both being characteristics he shares with Singh. At their improvisational best, Vitchev and Singh are like two streams of thought at a confluence; each bringing their own charisma and exquisite style to a place that enhances both players and conveys—as the title suggests—a sense of wonder to the listener.” – Karl Ackermann (All About Jazz)

"For those who have discovered the compositions and artistry of Bulgarian American Hristo Vitchev, congratulations! This new recording is a gift to you. For those who have yet to experience the manner in which this gifted guitarist and composer brings a new vitality and globally significant response to jazz, this is as fine an aperitif as any of his six CDs. IN SEARCH OF WONDERS may reference the music Vitchev has been exploring for the past years, but it is also quite a step forward in sophistication, as if these songs/melodies/ideas have been gestating or brewing long enough to come into full bloom here. And as usual the music is packaged in a quality case that features the lushly evocative artwork of Vitchev.
The Hristo Vitchev Quartet continues with the guitar artistry of Vitchev, the superb piano of Jasnam Daya Singh (Weber Iago), the solid support (musically and emotionally) of Dan Robbins on bass and the impressive contribution of Mike Shannon on drums. The sound we hear here is a mysterious mixture of classical line, jazz technique in approach, new age, and experimental/spiritual - blended in a manner that is immediately recognizable as the sound of Hristo Vitchev – Impressionism . Each of the fifteen compositions on the two discs here are by Vitchev and his magnanimous spirit is evident in the manner in which he distributes the solo lines equally among the quartet members. Vitchev may supply the mood and the musical line for each song but it is the manner in which each member of this fine ensemble explores the possibilities of expression of that initial line that makes this music such a sold success.
This listener considers this his finest recording to date.
Splendid compositions, first rate performances, and an invitation to a spiritual place – it is all here, generously shared by the inimitable Hristo Vitchev. Highly Recommended." - Grady Harp (Amazon.com) Read more...

Disc 1:
The Transitory Nature
It May Backfire
Post Nubes
Fuchsia Brown Eyes
In Search of Wonders
Almost Home (Intro)
Almost Home

Disc 2:
Falling in Orange
Old Theme
It Is Here, Somewhere
Stay (Prelude)
Stay
Without Words, As the Full Moon Shines
The Invisible Stairway
We Search for Wonders

Hristo Vitchev: guitar
Dan Robbins: bass
Jasnam Dava Singh (Weber Iago): piano
Mike Shannon: drums 

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