Evgeny Pobozhiy, Elements for Peace

Written by admin| August 26, 2022| New Releases Page

To release a statement for peace in this moment in history is perhaps a regular occurrence in today’s digital age. But to do it from Russia is perhaps nothing less than bravery. Celebrated Russian guitarist Evgeny Pobozhiy opted to take the opportunity to present his long-awaited debut as exactly that, while backed by a lineup of American greats.

Pobozhiy was born in Seversk, on the southeastern edge of the West Siberian Plain. He started out on classical guitar at age nine, and studied jazz at the Rostov State Conservatory, attracting the interest of saxophonist Igor Butman, Russia’s leading jazz musician. Pobozhiy joined the Igor Butman Quintet as well as the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, which Butman leads.

Pobozhiy’s career took a promising turn in 2019, when he became the first-ever Russian winner of the prestigious Herbie Hancock Prize in New York. Despite all the hardships the world has presented humanity with since then, the guitarist is determined to leave a positive impact on the world and to earn his place on the international scene.

Elements for Peace, released on Butman Records, sees the young guitarist backed by none other than drummer Antonio Sanchez, bassist Matt Brewer, pianist Aaron Parks, and saxophonist Ben Wendel. Together, the quartet offers nine compositions, seven of them originals by Pobozhiy, including dedications to his wife (Alina) and daughter (Song For My Daughter).

Besides these personal works, Elements for Peace includes two new arrangements of famous melodies. Wayne Shorter’s ballad Infant Eyes, embraced as a laid back, sultry ode to the original, and 80s smash hit Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode reimagined as a guitar-heavy jazzrock gem.

Line-Up:
Evgeny Pobozhiy Guitar, compositions | Ben Wendel Saxophone | Aaron Parks Piano | Matt Brewer Bass | Antonio Sanchez Drums

Release Date: 1 September 2022
Format: CD | Digital
Label: Buttman Music

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