Everwanted
Amp, 2025
9/10
The saxophonist extraordinaire Nikola Bankov returns with a 3rd album of his fusion formula that welcomes Jonas Gravlund, August Korsgaard, Frederik Bak and Jacob Hedegaard.
“Everything I Have” starts the listen with a warm ambience, as the rich sax welcomes Hedegaard’s busy drumming, and “5AM” follows with Frederik Bak’s playful bass and Korsgaard’s buzzing keys, where a driving pace showcases melody and a firm beat.
“On Repeat” and “Eleven:Eleven” land in the middle. The former is full of a distinct atmosphere that’s cinematic and even mysterious and benefits from the colorful sax, while the latter is a bright blast of lush and timeless jazz qualities across the album’s best that makes great use of Jonas Gravlund’s guitar prowess.
The last track, “Fast Life”, recruits Tom Ford’s meticulous guitar via the dreamy demeanor that builds into a meticulous version of jazz rock.
A very technical version of synth-pop meets jazz fusion, every moment here is unpredictable, exciting and memorable due to Bankov’s inestimable vision and the top notch musicians in attendance.
Travels well with: Matt Bianco- Masquerader; Teis Semey- En Massei!