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Last we heard from tasty Serbian-born guitar player Rale Micic (pronounced Rah-lay Mee-cheech) he had recorded the sweet trio disc “3.” The work vaulted him to prominence, and he enjoyed enthusiastic followers at prestigious gigs. On his fourth disc as bandleader, Rale looks closer to home for his inspiration.
The sublime new Night Music is a rei-magining of the work of Hungarian composer Bela Bartok. Helped in his vision mission by Jonathan Blake and his ad-renalized drum ‘n’ bass pulse, Corcoran Holt’s heavy groove on upright bass, and Danny Grissett’s Fender Rhodes, all of which provide an evocative and colorful bed for Micic’s flowing single note lines and double-time flurries. While Bartok fused Hungarian folk music with more a tradition-al classical essence to create work of incredible national pride, Micic attempts to do something similar by creating a blend of ethnic tinged playing and more conventional jazz. Bartok lived his last few years in New York City, near Micic’s home in Riverdale, where he transcribed Serbian folk music at Columbia University.
Motivated by the inspiration and closeness he felt to the spirit of Bartok, Micic created Night Music, a heartfelt tribute of extraordinary beauty, and an immense accomplishment from an imposing talent.
PRESS QUOTES:
“Micic is bringing an intriguing new perspective to the jazz guitar.” – LA TIMES
”Micic is subtle, intelligent player who echoes the likes of Jim Hall.” – DOWNBEAT
“The New York jazz scene, and by extension jazz’s modern mainstream, has Rale Micic to thank for a portion of its continued growth.” – ALL ABOUT JAZZ
MUSICIAN’S QUOTES:
“Rale Micic is one of my favorite guitar players on the scene today. He has a beautiful sound and lyricism that truly set him apart.” – PETER BERNSTEIN
“Rale is a soulful and thoughtful player” – TOM HARRELL
“Rale Micic has firmly established himself as one of the top guitarists in jazz today. I’ve enjoyed his playing both while sharing the bandstand with him and as a fan. He’s got great melodic awareness, a strong rhythmic concept, and a feeling for the blues that show he has studied the greats on his instrument while forging a singular style of his own. I’m excited to hear this new recording! “ – ERIC ALEXANDER
Background/Bio:
“Micic is bringing an intriguing new perspective to the jazz guitar.” LA TIMES
Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, guitarist and composer Rale Micic (pron. Rah-Leh Mee-chee-ch) skillfully fuses culture with timeless jazz.
Rale Micic is a CTA Records recording artist and has been featured in numerous publications including Downbeat, JazzTimes, LA Times, San Diego Tribune, Boston Globe, etc. He has performed at prominent jazz clubs and music festivals in US and Europe including Catalina Jazz Club, Blues Alley, Village Vanguard, Scullers Jazz Club, Dizzy’s, San Jose Jazz Festival, Hartford International Jazz Festival, etc.
Rale Micic recently signed an endorsement deal with D’Addario strings, joining the likes of guitarists Pat Metheny, John Scofield and Lenny Kravitz.
01. Hotel Insomnia
02. Jane
03. Melody in a Mist
04. Late Call
05. Blue
06. Nocturne
07. Night MUsic
08. Nocturne (reprise)
09. Afterparty
10. Sunrise
11. Color of the Sun
Danny Grissett - piano
Corcoran Holt - bass
Johnathan Blake - drums
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