Katya Sourikova - Ivan's Dream [CD]

This beautifully crafted new studio recording from pianist Katya Sourikova contains many compositions from her live repertoire and appeals to a very broad jazz audience. With a superb sonic quality, this is a landmark recording. Recorded in Berlin in 2010, this is the record Sourikova's fans have been waiting for. Each track conveys an experience in Sourikova's life. The tunes have a timeless quality and many are so strong they will likely become part of the wider jazz repertoire - In the Dark, Twilight and Off the Beam seem as if they could have been penned by the likes of Bill Evans or Wayne Shorter. But this is a fresh and exciting new composer at work - Sourikova draws from a deep well of her many years as a classical pianist, combining her Baltic roots with a lifelong exploration of both American and European jazz. Sourikova's playing is fluid and sensual as she evolves her lyrical, melodic soloing with rich harmonic language. Drummer Brendan Dougherty provides a solid and yet highly sensitive percussive framework. Bassist Simon Bauer shows extraordinary lyricism and depth. Tenor saxophonist Oliver Fox illuminates each melody with thoughtful phrasing and beautiful arching solos. Sourikova blends additional melodic lines into several tracks, played by guest trumpeter Gunhild Seim and guitarist Johannes Haage. The resulting rich and varied textures allow the album to be heard over and again while always sounding fresh and new. Personnel: Katya Sourikova (piano), Oliver Fox (tenor saxophone), Gunhild Seim (trumpet), Johannes Haage (guitar), Simon Bauer (bass), Brendan Dougherty (drums)