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Dusan Jevtovic / Vasil Hadzimanov / Asaf Sirkis: No Answer

By Karl Ackermann
October 18, 2017
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Dusan Jevtovic / Vasil Hadzimanov / Asaf Sirkis: No Answer

Serbian guitarist Dusan Jevtovic debuted on Moonjune Records with a mix of hard rock and thrash metal. His Am I Walking Wrong? (2014) featured the conventional bass and drums rhythm section and demonstrated the guitarist's broad range. With No Answer the formation is far less traditional as fellow Serbian and pianist/keyboardist Vasil Hadzimanov and Israeli drummer Asaf Sirkis skirt around the bass-less trio with taut performances that again defy genre identification.

In his sophomore outing as a leader, Jevtovic has taken a significant leap in terms of composing, improvising and skillfully rendering distinctive atmospheres. Hadzimanov, though a relative newcomer, has worked with a number of celebrated musicians including

David Gilmore

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">David Gilmore,

Antonio Sanchez

drums
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Antonio Sanchez and

David Binney

saxophone, alto
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">David Binney who was part of the pianist's debut group. Sirkis is the best known of this group having recorded nine albums as a leader and appearing on seventy five others. He has worked with

Gwilym Simcock

piano
b.1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Gwilym Simcock,

Tim Garland

clarinet, bass
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Tim Garland,

John Abercrombie

guitar
1944 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">John Abercrombie,

Kenny Wheeler

flugelhorn
1930 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Wheeler,

Andy Sheppard

saxophone
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Andy Sheppard and many others.

Hadzimanov guides in "Al Aire -Soko Bira" with a gentle, repetitive pattern allowing Jevtovic to move in quietly and then catch fire. On "Frusci," the guitarist channels Jeff Beck while Hadzimanov utilizes the electric keyboards for a 1960s style ambience. There are more tranquil moments as well, particularly on "Yo Sin Mi," "A Ver," and "Prayer." The latter incorporates some exotic Eastern effects that are especially appealing. "The Place With A View" closes the album on a spacey, meditative note.

Jevtovic has been compared to so many legendary guitarists—

Robert Fripp

guitar
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Robert Fripp,

Nels Cline

guitar, electric
b.1956

" data-original-title="" title="">Nels Cline and

John Abercrombie

guitar
1944 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">John Abercrombie to name a few—that such contrasts lose their integrity. He is quite impressive technically and artistically and his growth as a composer shows a high level of sophistication. Guitar and piano work excellently together and the veteran Sirkis works his magic in a subdued manner. No Answer is the kind of entry that should bring in a wider audience for all involved.

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Track Listing

Al Aire - Soko Bira; Frusci; Yo Sin Mi; No Answer; A Ver; Prayer; Lifetime; Prayer; El Oro; The Place With A View.

Personnel

Dusan Jevtovic

guitar

Dusan Jevtovic: guitar; Vasil Hadzimanov: piano, Rhodes, moog; Asaf Sirkis: drums.

Album information

Title: No Answer | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: MoonJune Records

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