Vasil Hadžimanov - piano, keyboards
Vasko Atanasovski - saxophone, flute
Miroslav Tovirac - bass
Ratko Dautovski - percussion
Viktor Filipovski - drums
Vasil Hadžimanov's idea of merging folk rhythms and Western musical styles such as jazz, funk, rock and prog-rock is completely authentic and represents a unique approach to jazz music. This approach, which he has been developing since the early 1990s, is not just a superficial flirtation with folklore, but a deeply conceived process of continuing a family legacy. Namely, Hadžimanov thoughtfully continues the work of his grandfather, a respected performer of Macedonian folk songs and an important ethnomusicologist of the former state who dedicated his working life to field recording folklore. The author passes traditional motifs through his own filter, using them only when they are completely in line with his personality. As he himself emphasizes, tradition "should not be ashamed of, but should be supported and given more space" , which allows him to create a direct and sincere sound.
The central tool in this process is improvisation – a principle adopted early in his career, which gives him freedom of decision at the moment of performance, facilitating immersion in his own inner self and clear emotional, spiritual and mental expression. It is also his way of fighting against rubbish and bad taste, or representing true values derived from constant learning. For him, it is crucial that music, regardless of the format, is created exclusively from love, curiosity and spirituality. The result is multi-layered works of strong musicality, rich in recognizable melodies, refined harmonies, colors and bold orchestrations. From the very beginning to the current lineup – which, in addition to Hadžimanov, consists of bass guitarist Miroslav Tovirac, percussionist Ratko Dautovski and drummer Viktor Filipovski – the band functions on the democratic principle of giving each member full autonomy in creating the repertoire and performing.
Versatile Slovenian saxophonist, flautist and singer Vasko Atanasovski works on the same principles, making him a logical choice for this collaboration. Sharing a penchant for playful performances based on collective improvisation, energy, emotions and positive vibes, their synergy promises the audience a concert in which top-notch musicianship is put at the service of sincere artistic expression.
Vasil Hadzhimanov, pianist, composer, arranger, producer and pedagogue, is one of the most prominent Serbian jazz musicians and a key figure in the country's national musical history. All of his releases have been declared works of art of exceptional cultural significance for Serbia. His status is evidenced by numerous awards: the award Beovizija for debut album ("11 reasons for..."), award Solar scales for the instrumental album ("Kafanki"), award Vojin Mališa Draškoci, Gold badge of the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs for contribution to the culture of Serbia, award Master of Humanities, honorary doctorate from Goce Delčev University in Štip, association award GODUM and recognition Annual Jazz Station Awards (2019) for the best jazz pianist on electric piano. As a scholarship holder Berklee College of Music in Boston, he completed his piano studies in 1995 in just three years. He spent an additional two years in the USA, gaining invaluable experience, especially in the New York studio. Tomandandy where he works as a music programmer and composer. During this period, crucial for the formation of his taste, he plays with musicians such as David Gilmore, David Binney, Matt Garrison, George Garzone and Chris Cheek, while he cites Keith Jarrett, Joe Zawinul, as primary influences. Weather report, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. Performance at the Belgrade Enter Music festival in 2003 resulted in Joe Zawinul's invitation to perform with the band in a Viennese club Joe's Birdland (2005), and the virtuoso Nigel Kennedy expressed great admiration for him, inviting him as a guest to a concert in Belgrade. Along with three notable Parisian concerts at the festival Jazzy Colors (2005), Hadžimanov released a number of albums (eight of which with his parent band), worked in bands Darkwood Dub, Bace Quartet i Trio Saints, and in exclusive formations with Bojan Zulfikarpašić and Matija Dedić (with whom he formed a piano trio in 2022). He also works spontaneously and with ease as an author of music for feature films and documentaries, as well as TV series.
Vasko Atanasovski is considered one of the most creative Slovenian instrumentalists and composers. He has 13 acclaimed albums behind him and a rich career that includes performances at European festivals, as well as tours in India, China, Latin America and New York. His versatile expression blurs the boundaries between jazz, tango, pop, rock, prog-rock, world music , and even early music, with the works of Azra and Vlatko Stefanovski also being perceived as influences. In addition to arrangements of folk songs, he is the author of music for dance and puppet theater performances, collaborating with famous directors and choreographers, and his works are in the repertoires of prominent soloists, orchestras and choirs. Known for his masterful approach to various genres, he has performed with global names such as Marc Ribot, Vlatko Stefanovski, Living Colour , Tommy Emmanuel, Michel Godard and Simone Zanchini. He is also extremely active on the Croatian scene, where he has played with Matija Dedić, Tamara Obrovac, in a trio with drummer Kruno Levačić and double bassist Žiga Golob, and in the Fog Painters band with guitarist and Arabian lute player Zoran Majstorović. He is currently leading the projects Melem , Vasco3 , Fire & Ice , and Vasko Atanasovski & Simone Zanchini Duo.
- Davor Hrvoj
