Short Reviews [Vasko Atanasovski Adrabesa Quartet - 2020 - "Phoenix"]

Whenever I receive a new album from Moonjune Records, I always know it is going to be interesting and I look forward to playing it even if I have no idea who the artist is. Again, that is the case here, as this is the latest album from the quartet featuring Vasko Atanasovski (alto & soprano saxophone, flute (Slovenia)), Simone Zanchini (accordion (Italy)), Michel Godard (tuba, serpent (France)), Bodek Janke (drums & tabla (Poland/Germany)) plus special guest, Vaskos’s son Ariel Vei Atanasovski (cello (Slovenia)). Even before listening one can see this is going to be interesting as there is no bass but instead, we have a tuba, the cello is bowed, we have some unusual jazz instruments in serpent and tabla, while the accordion always gives jazz a certain air (always makes me think of Paris to be honest). Simone and Vasko have been working together in different forms since the early 2000’s, and Simone is the only other remaining member of the quartet formed in 2005. They have an incredibly close understanding and provide close support and harmonies to each other, while the tuba provides a very different bassline and feel to the music. Bodek has an innate understanding of space and ensures that he does not encroach on the main players but ensures instead that he is always adding to the overall impact, even if that means he is not playing at all. Ariel does not play on all tracks but adds some wonderful melodic complexity when he does take part. That he can find a way into the massively complex arrangements is amazing, as the quartet are like a living being, all pulling in one direction and then quickly switching to another. It is strange to think that the complete album was recorded in just one day, as this is music with a real vitality and energy which one would expect took numerous takes to get right, but obviously that could not have been the case. This is an album which combines European folk and jazz in a manner so that one cannot see or hear the seams, and the music makes one either get up and dance around the room or sit and listen in awe, depending on what is happening. Yet another wonderful album from Moonjune Records.