It is apt that the cover art of Dusan Jevtovic’s latest release portrays the members of the No Answer Project sitting near to a roadside. Dusan Jevtovic, Vasil Hadžimanov and Asaf Sirkis face the same direction, but the road they explore reveals many interesting deviations as they travel towards their collective destination. The subtlety, skill, and searing musicianship in evidence in this release, enables the listener to accompany the trio of musicians on an exciting journey of discovery.
The album captures the performance of a Barcelona concert during May 2019. The seven compositions bear all the trademarks that has made Jevtovic’s work so distinctive over the years. Four of the compositions originally appeared on Jevtovic’s No Answer release. The live renditions of these tunes are equally compelling and are arguably even more rewarding for they capture the excitement, invention and improvisation that goes hand in hand when this type of progressive fusion is created in a live setting. The beautiful rendition of Yo Sin Mi is one of the albums standout tracks.
The three other pieces; Blues For A, Op-Sa and Nine have not been released before. Their inclusion in the set will ensure that many aficionados of Jevtovic’s work will be excited to hear this release. All three pieces are excellent and are worthy additions to Jevtovic’s catalogue of work.
Blues for A is particularly evocative, it seamlessly moves between cleanly struck guitar sections, yowling solos and disconcerting heavy sections where the extraordinary percussive drumming of Sirkis glues everything together. As might be expected when players of the calibre of the trio are involved, it moves outside parameters normally connected with the Blues. Consequently, it has several inventive passages. These reveal an adventurous air and an innovative capacity, whilst still maintaining a peripheral yet identifiable association with the Blues.
Throughout the concert, distorted guitar chords full of malevolence and power are juxtaposed with delicate sections that have an ethereal air. Sirkis skillful use of his kit is at the heart of everything and his ability to play with delicacy and with dynamic power, when necessary, propels the music with great dramatic effect. This enticing mix is superbly embellished by Hadžimanov’s sensitive use of piano, electric piano, and synth when the need arises.
Hadžimanov’s fine keyboard patterns offer a different set of colours and creates a noticeable contrast. This ensures that the music has an unpredictable and exciting edge. His flowing solo in Blues for A is simply magnificent. However, his wonderfully crafted piano interlude in the beautifully melodic Yo Sin MI is equally impressive and provides another standout piano moment during the album.
The quality of the recording is excellent and the work of Acklam studios in Barcelona should be commended for ensuring that the skillful performance of each instrument can be easily discerned.
The No Answer Project’s selection from the No Answer album and their presentation of three previously unheard compositions is a thoroughly rewarding experience.
The trio’s unique blend of progressive jazz treads a road that is seldom travelled and I for one, cannot wait to experience their journey again.
1. Al Aire/ Soko Bira 05:14
2. Blues For A 07:09
3. No Answer 07:19
4. Yo Sin Mi 06:20
5. Op-Sa 07:30
6. El Oro 09:39
7. Nine 05:41
Dusan Jevtovic guitar
Vasil Hadzimanov keys
Asaf Sirkis drums
Recorded Live at Aclam Studios Barcelona 2019 by Jose Cattaneo
Mixed and mastered by Juan Pablo Alcaro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cover photo Xavi Parce
Cover design Aleksandar Popovic
Linear notes Owen Davies
