This album is a compilation of compositions that were written over the course of the last decade. Some of them were written as long as 11 years ago while others were composed very recently. The concept of the album is to present compositions which will differ in style from track to track while maintaining unity through jazz language and improvisation.
Track 1 and 2 comprise a two part piece, which with the lack of a better definition would be described as modern jazz with various Latin influences in the tradition of Chick Corea, Michael Brecker and others.
Track 3 is a composition based on Jewish and Klezmer rhythms and motives.
Track 4 is a downscale arrangement of a symphonic classical piece adopted for a standard jazz quartet + a string quartet.
It has strong influences of modern cinematic music.
Track 5 could be described as modern jazz which would be heard in the last decade by such artist as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner and others.
Track 6 has influences of music from the Far East an features Indian percussion instruments.
Track 7 is modern Jazz with subtle hip-hop influences.
Track 8 is influenced by a mix of Middle Eastern, Russian and Balkan folklore.
Track 9 is a straight ahead jazz ballad.
While all the compositions differ vastly in style, they are deeply rooted in jazz and the intent was to create a seamless flow through harmonic language, structure and improvisation. The emphasis is on elaborate forms and the order of the tracks has a significance since certain compositions are a direct continuation of the one that comes before it through the use of similar musical material in a changed state. This record is a journey. It is The Passage.
About the Artist:
Saxophonist, Pianist, Composer and Producer - Ilia Skibinsky has been described by his peers and colleagues alike, as someone who possessed the unique ability to navigate through an array of musical styles, while maintaining a unique voice. Born in Russia, he immigrated with his family to Israel in 1993. While in Israel, aside from regularly performing with the elite of the local jazz artists, Ilia participated in some of the top scale productions such as the Israeli adaptations of the TV shows “American Idol” and “Dancing with Stars” which aired on nation wide prime time TV as well as full Broadway productions of “Chicago” and “Guys & Dolls” at the Bet Lessin Theater.
In 2007, Ilia relocated to New York. Since his arrival he had the chance to share the stage with such artists as Joanne Brackeen (Art Blakey), Bobby Sanabria, Larry Graham (Sly and the family stone) and many others. In 2008, Ilia has been invited to play with one of the productions of the world-renown Cirque Du Soleil on their show entitled “Corteo”. He performed as a saxophonist and keyboardist with the production in US, Canada and Japan completing over 500 shows. In September 2011, Ilia performed at the prestigious Colonial theater (Berkshires, MA) in a program that featured his original compositions written for a classical chamber ensemble.
Mr. Skibinsky compositional and production works for TV have been featured on PBS and Discovery Channels.
Ilia has been awarded a scholarship from the America-Israel Cultural Foundation Award (AICF) for 4 (four) consecutive years. cdbaby
