New Shapes
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Roman Miroshnichenko and Henrik Andersen certainly know their way around a guitar, and here the pair bring some notable guests in for 8 tracks that explore intimacy and exploration with jazz-fusion, Flamenco and Latin nods that unfold with stunning meticulousness.
“Russian Mountains” starts the listen with intricate steel string Ovation guitar from Miroshnichenko as swift vocal acrobatics align with Russian folk music, and “New Shapes” follows with contributions from Bickram Ghosh on tablas and konnakol, as well as Gumbi Ortiz on percussion, where a very rhythmic and cultured setting arrives.
At the halfway point, “Flying Dragon” recruits Trilok Gurtu’s percussion and konnako skills amid the precisely layered and fusion friendly landscape, while “Corona Funk” moves cautiously with much beauty entering the fascinating guitar work from the duo.
Approaching the end, the dreamy “Salvador” places flamenco influences into the swirling atmosphere, and “Simona’s Summer Samba” exits the listen with help from Frank Colón, whose percussion and cuica prowess make this one of the best tracks present.
A truly fantastic pairing and with so much talent present, Miroshnichenko and Andersen pen a progressive, fusion, and primarily instrumental affair that puts a very unique spin on jazz that you won’t be able to stop listening to.
Travels well with: Frank Colon- Latin Lounge; Guillaume Muller- Sketches Of Sound