The Master and Margarita is a long suite (two discs) inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov's classic novel of the same name. (It's not the first time pianist Simon Nabatov has tangled with Russian literary figures -- compare 2001's Nature Morte, his encounter with Joseph Brodsky.) For this imaginatively "out" project, Nabatov recruits the finest of players: violinist Mark Feldman, trumpeter Herb Robertson, and longtime rhythm section colleagues Mark Helias (bass) and Tom Rainey (drums)...   [ read more ]

CD $33.23

The influences are myriad, and some of the names are inscribed artfully on the cover: Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Schnittke, Messiaen, and Stockhausen, among others. In his liner notes, Stuart Broomer writes of the French impressionism at work as well as "pan-serialism" and "tonal liberation." Nabatov's solo piano work is entirely different than his ensemble recordings: Alone, he displays a strong romantic side that can be alternately dark and brooding or vigorously upbeat. His ...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

"Nature Morte" is the title of a poem written in 1971 by Joseph Brodsky. He and pianist Simon Nabatov were both born in Russia and later resettled in America. Nabatov took the ten-part poem, a rich conjuration of life and death, and wrote what can only be described as an ambitious song cycle, even though the fact that Phil Minton sings it means one must stretch his usual definition of the word "song." Trombonist Nils Wogram and saxophonist Frank Gratkowski (also heard on clarinet, bass cl...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03