Twenty Twenty One
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The 3rd album from the violin extraordinaire Jozef Nadj, Twenty Twenty One makes an indelible impression, where Nadj’s electric violin and strong attention to detail is appreciated across much beauty, playfulness and timeless songwriting.
“Fantastic Plastic” starts the listen with Nadj’s exceptional violin acrobatics amid funky gestures and even some psychedelics nods, and “Clown Parade” follows with a bluesy spirit as intricate guitar lines and frisky percussion add much to the stylish delivery.
Halfway through, “Lol (Labor Of Love)” benefits from warm keys as jazz ideas enter the cautious landscape, while “Optimistic” is heavily indebted to the ‘70s with plenty of brass dynamics amid some R&B stabs, too.
Closer to the end, “Loodilo” offers precise and soulful song craft with divine interplay between the instruments, and Nadj’s version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” finishes off the record with a live track, where a spiritual and emotional quality highlights the incredible cover.
Nadj is classically trained, and he brings a wealth of experience and talent to this contemporary jazz record that embraces fusion in all the best ways.
Travels well with: Majamistry Trio- Organic; Adam Glaser Trio- Wide Awake