The music of Saso Popovski is music of pure lines, concluded structures and lush imagination. Rhythmically and also melodically, his music alludes to Oriental patterns, which makes it a bit mystical. But there is nothing hermetically in it, as some of these kind of music excursions to Orient can be... Popovski organizes his compositions around a beautifully derived, clear, appealing melodious line, which is unmistakably supported by a bass player with a velvet sound and a drummer with consistent, concentrated rhythmization. Popovski finely enhance the basic river-like melody, carefully meanders through its possible by-paths and streams, but never loses the basic thread. With its strong suggestiveness - thanks to the repetitiveness of certain motifs - Popovski's music has dreamlike and cinematic effects. One another thing to be stressed is the coherence of members' musicianship and the very sound of trio - which is smoothed and crystal clear, but at the same time it does not work artificially; instead, it is completely organic and "present".
- Mario Batelic, Jazz Cerkno (Slovenia)
Fallen Land by Saso Popovski Trio is an album in which we can find the best of the soul of the Balkans and Popovski finds a more central dimension and which better highlights its compositional and executive skills. Clear concepts are immediately evident, the musical theme is clear and cantabile. The interaction and space between the players is balanced and, despite having a meticulous musical direction, it offers ample opportunity to improvise. The rhythms and harmonic lines know no boundaries. Balkan jazz has a modern soul.
- Mario Ferraioli, Jazz In Family (Italy)
Each track from the album Fallen Land is composed of short improvisational adventures with an element of enigmatic mystery that you can never quite solve. Saso uses slide guitar techniques, that are masterfully used to create melody and harmony lines accompanying his guitar work on the album.
- George C Glasser, Jazz Syndicate Magazine & Promotions (UK)
credits
released October 1, 2020
Saso Popovski - guitar
Ivan Bejkov - bass
Viktor Filipovski - drums & percussion
All music written by Saso Popovski
Recorded by Daniel Mitrevski, Saso Popovski, Viktor Filipovski
Mixed by Toni Kitanovski
Mastering: Angel Kjosev, Toni Kitanovski
Executive producer: Oliver Belopeta
Graphic design and photo: Daniel Gjurchinovski
Trio founded by Fugazi's former rhythm section recruits saxophonist James Brandon Lewis for a frenetic jazz-punk group project. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 21, 2024