Expectations
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The New York City saxophonist and composer brings in a large cast for these 9 fusion filled songs that make this 3rd album full of personal and timeless ideas.
The warm spirit of “Expectations” opens with Bayazitov’s flowing tenor sax amid Fernando Brox’s dreamy flute and Clara Vedeche’s elegant cello, and “Very New York” follows with Julia Perminova’s gentle piano and Silvan Joray’s cozy guitar making for soft melodies.
In the middle, “Maybe Later” makes excellent use of Émile Delange and Marie Morgane Sécula’s sophisticated violins that emit much grace alongside the soulful sax, while “Make Them Friends” recruits Max Treutner and Domenic Landolf’s clarinet and bass clarinet that adds richness to the album highlight.
“A Step Further” and “Talk To People” exit the listen. The former offers an intimate and colorful delivery thanks to Roberto Koch’s electric bass, and the latter is more drum focused via Janis Jaunalksnis, but not without Bayazitov’s animated sax prowess.
All the tunes are originals and they offer a pretty tone, plenty of soulfulness and both rock and funk moments for a highly memorable effort.
Travels well with: Constantine Alexander- Firetet; Carl Clements- A Different Light