Zhenya Strigalev - Blues for Maggie (2018)

Alto saxophonist and composer Zhenya Strigalev's fourth album for Whirlwind Recordings 'Blues for Maggie', brings together in-demand drummer Eric Harland (Dave Holland, Charles Lloyd, Joshua Redman), Mauritian bass virtuoso Linley Marthe (Joe Zawinul, Richard Galliano) and award-winning Argentinian guitarist Federico Dannemann (Mark Elf, Peter Erskine, Shakira).

A departure from Strigalev's previous albums - recorded live, as well as featuring a guitarist in the line-up - it documents the saxophonist's recent touring band which included Marthe and Harland, both of whom he introduced to each other and are now the rhythm section of choice for a number of artists including Chris Potter

'Blues for Maggie' was recorded at two well-respected European venues - during the band's concert at Porgy and Bess in Vienna, Austria and after their gig at Paradox in Tilburg, Netherlands - and consists of seven original compositions.

The recording's ebullient mood is heralded by sprightly reggae tune "Not Upset", Strigalev on soprano also introducing his new creation, the 'alto box' (be ready for unorthodox sounds); and "Coda" bookends the album with a different take on this. Other tracks include the soft, melodic yet cheeky "Wondering About Swing", with further dance to warm the soul in the quirkily electronic Latin-American groover "Happy Professors".

Personnel: Zhenya Strigalev (alto sax, soprano sax, alto box, electronics), Federico Dannemann (guitar), Linley Marthe (bass guitar, keyboards), Eric Harland (drums)