"Siberian Bear" is Slovenian drummer Kristijan Krajncan's debut as a leader. His drumming, compositional and orchestrational skills are very evident on this record that is more of a journey in landscapes of space and time..
Three elements distinguish Krajncan's debut the most (among many others):
His eclectic compositions give the feeling of avant-guardism while having a lot of classicism as well. Perhaps one of the reason behind this is the interesting blend of the EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument played by Kristijan's father Lojze Krajncan) that widened the horn section's scope both in texture and emotion.
Another ambitious addition is on the album title track where "Perpetuum Jazzile" choir is gloriously singing in Slovenian over a complex odd meter groove.
The personnel on this record is an interesting collaboration of musicians from Slovenia, Lebanon and the USA:
Kristijan Krajncan: drums
Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet
Jimmy Greene: soprano and tenor saxophone
Lojze Krajncan: EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument)
Tarek Yamani: piano
Nate Allen: double-bass
Recorded live at Studio 14, RTV Slovenija
July 3rd & 4th 2009
Recorded by Mitja Kreže
Recording assistant Cole Moretti
Mixed by Dave Darlington (Bass Hit Studio Recordings, New York)
Mastered by Mark Wilder (Battery Studios/Sony Music Entertainment, New York)
-Tarek Yamani-
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