Vitchev, Hristo
First Orbit Sounds, 2017, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 24.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 2
Score:
O’s Notes: Guitarist Hristo Vitchev leads a quartet with pianist Jasnam Daya Singh, bassist Dan Robbins (b) and Mike Shannon on drums. They perform nine Vitchev originals in an evolutionary step from his prior quartet recordings. This effort is more tilted towards ballads like “At Your Side” and “A Portrait of A Love Forgotten”. But they also include Hristo’s characteristic jazz fusion. Robbins stands out on “The Shortest Wavelength” with an appreciable solo. We also enjoyed the sense of mystery on “Pentachromatic Butterflies” and the daunting pace of “Partial Darkness”. This is a well-knit band that builds on each other’s groove.
Publicist: First Orbit