European jazz, particularly East European jazz differs vastly from jazz as we know it in the UK or the USA. In many ways it's an entirely different genre.
Or is it?
I came across this set almost by accident. I was on my way to watch Steve Garrett's livestream* when I received a message from the Europe Jazz Network of this set from the 61. Ljubljana Jazz Festival. I put my head (virtually) into the hall noting that Ros Rigby was in the (Facebook) audience so, I thought, in for a penny in for a euro.
It didn't float my boat immediately as jazz usually does - one way or the other - but as it progressed I found myself becoming totally engrossed. The mix of voice and horns, the rhythm that became hypnotic even when the beat was non-existent, the string quartet unobtrusively adding to the growing ambiance, the voice blending in - no words needed.
The solos weren't ball-busting follow that blasts, although all could hold their own in any band worldwide, rather they were working together for the whole - this was Ellington, Mingus and Evans for 2020 and beyond.
The vocals from Ana Čop provided further icing on a cake that demanded seconds and thirds. But, if anyone deserves singling out, it is the drummer leader whose compositions provided the material which suggests that Slovenia, although only ranked 64 in the FIFA world ratings (football) are heading for the play-offs in jazz circles. After all, the Ljubljana Jazz Festival has been going 61 years.
Lance.
*Sorry Steve, I got jazzmugged in Slovenia. Catch you next time.
Lenart Krečič, reeds; Ana Čop, vocals; Tomaž Gajšt, trumpet; Jani Moder, guitar; Marko Črnčec, piano; Miha Koren, bass; Žan Tetičkovič, drums, composition; Janus Atelier String Quartet: Matija Krečič – 1st violin, Nejc Avbelj – 2nd violin, Barbara Grahor – viola, Zoran Bičanin – violoncello.
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