Svjetlana Bukvich - evolution

Svjetlana Bukvich

EvolutionBig Round Records/PARMA Recordings; 2014

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

The recent album by Svjetlana Bukvich entitled Evolution is an album that is complex, thoroughly thought-out musical exploration. It’s thematic, combines jazz, avant-garde, world music and more into compositions that evolve and morph over time. It’s engulfing music that must have surely been one heck of an undertaking.

Svjetlana Bukvich is an experienced composer who recruited the likes of bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), guitarist Mordy Ferber (Michael Brecker, Miroslav Vitous), and electric violist Martha Mooke (Lou Reed) and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The music moves and has much more in common with classical music than that of a contemporary pop format. There are phases, acts and transitions that make the music feel like you are watching a play. It’s extremely visual and I can imagine this music be used in choreographed dance routines.

The first composition is “Before and After the Tekke.” It begins with violin and bass and starts morphing into other instruments such as synths. The way the instrumentation weaves in and out of existence is incredible. It’s dynamic and is in a constant state of flux. Every turn brings something new. There is a Persian element with the notes that are played reinforcing the cinematic almost majestic nature of the music. After the song was over I was amazed about how much music they fit into eight minutes and thirty-five seconds. 

“You Move Me” is another composition that explores diverse instrumentation. You have one part that sounds like a breakdown to a Pink Floyd song and another part that utilizes bongos and bass that is hypnotic.

The song “Sabih’s Dream” might just be a nightmare. Some of the parts made me feel as if I was trying to escape from a maze. The orchestral strings are haunting, jagged and on the verge of terrifying. “Six Letters” contains some vocal parts by Bukvich, which were quite impressive. After I heard her voice I wanted more of it.

Evolution is an album that is worthy of that name. This music evolves and has a surplus of imaginative moments that seem to never end. Do yourself a favor and take a listen.

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