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-Dave Rogers
Zen Zadravec – Human Revolution (Self-produced): “Zadravec’s latest CD release titled Human Revolution is a musical work supported by the Canadian Grant Organization called Factor or (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings). This work pushes all boundaries in Zadravec’s composing from the use of melody, harmony, rhythm, and even employing odd time signatures and the voice as a melodic device-vocalese…. Zadravec is a musical chameleon. Whether it is jazz, R&B, funk, rock, or pop, he plays each with a freshness and confidence. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1974, Zadravec studied classical piano from the age of five. At eleven, he began studying the saxophone and the flute. Listening to Miles Davis transformed his life and influenced his decision to become a jazz musician. In 1992, Zadravec attended York University’s Jazz Program, and in 1997 he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. During his time at York, Zadravec was also the recipient of two Oscar Peterson Awards for excellence as a jazz pianist. In 2000, he earned a Graduate’s Degree in Jazz Performance at Rutgers University. Zadravec also has studied with some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Kenny Barron, Don Thompson, John Gittens, Vic Juris, Ted Dunbar, and Ralph Bowen. While Human Revolution is often pegged as a fusion group, this is a combustible acoustic album that finds Zadravec exclusively on piano with a formidable front line of trumpeter Derrick Gardner and saxophonist Todd Bashore on alto and soprano. They are joined by bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr. John Douglas guests on trumpet in the opening track, and Mike Pope handles bass on two tracks. Special guest Dylan Bell sings on ‘Live!” and “Climb.” This work pushes all boundaries in Zadravec’s composing from the use of melody, harmony, rhythm, and even employing odd time signatures and the voice as a melodic device-vocalese.” (https://www.makingascene.org/zen-zadravec-human-revolution/) This set swings hard in the most captivating way! Click here to listen to the opening song on this release.
