Descriptions by Matthias Schubert - Simon Nabatov Duo

The ten tracks of this album are given seemingly obscure names, Discretion, Brashness, for example, but are indicators of an approach to creating a structure in which each title is fashioned around the sense of the word. Their vividly creative, musical imaginations see them envisioning the implications of their efforts, revisiting them and using their new perceptions to extend their descriptions. There is mutual association and understanding between the two musicians which generates a strange calligraphy that discloses a familial resemblance between the aural interpretations and the words as
written.

Both musicians, aged 54/55, have large experience behind them, Nabatov's more particularly recognisable, perhaps because of his time and contacts at the Juilliard School. His family had moved from his birthplace, Moscow, to the US. He has worked with a broad range of musicians; George Adams, Chet Baker, Mark Feldman, Sonny Fortune and Kenny Wheeler feature among them.

Skilled and proficient improvisers, the duo parade interminable vigour in the stream of musical dialogues they generate. Whichever instrument may start a piece or section, it may surrender its role to its alter ego, whose approach may be diatribe or acquiescence.

The album is effervescent, the music continually deepening, developing and diverse, evolving, strengthening and renovating. It is a journey of discovery.

Ken Cheetam

Simon Nabatov, pianist and composer, was born in Moscow in 1959.
In 1979 he emigrated to the USA, spent in NY next 10 years and 1989 he moved to Germany.
Simon Nabatov played with the "who's who" of the jazz and improvised music community, gave concerts in over 60 countries, appeared on the numerous international festivals, received prizes and documented his music on 30 CD's under his own name.