Alexander Shulgin's Blog
May 2009
This is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of part two of Alexander Shulgin’s Songbook, Triptych. Producer Richard Niles and multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband discuss what it was like creating part two of Alexander Shulgin’s instrumental album.
WATCH THE VIDEO… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCp1qsSVpcw
“Atmosphere is a key word for me in my musical endeavor, whether it’s in the pop, jazz, classical or fusion realms, and here I had a chance to explore exactly that..” – Gary Husband
Album: Triptych, Shulgin’s Songbook – Part 2 Genre: Instrumental/Smooth Jazz/Lounge Composer: Alexander Shulgin Performers: Gary Husband (piano), Martin Taylor (guitar) Producer: Richard Niles Label: Familia Entertainment http://alexandershulgin.musicdish.net
In anticipation of the digital release of jazz compilation “Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook” by The Orchard, MusicDish Network announced the launch of Alexander Shulgin pages on several jazz social media sites on the NING platform. The profiles feature tracks from all three of the compilation’s albums as well as videos, updates on Shulgin’s music and sign-up to his newsletter.
NING SITES
- Smooth Jazz Space http://smoothjazzspace.ning.com/profile/AlexanderShulgin
- The Jazz Network Worldwide http://thejazznetwork.ning.com/profile/AlexanderShulgin
- Washington DC Jazz Network http://washingtondcjazznetwork.ning.com/profile/AlexanderShulgin
- Jazz and Bossa http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profile/AlexanderShulgin
- The Global Jazz Network http://theglobaljazznetwork.ning.com/profile/AlexanderShulgin
With inventive use of the Spanish nylon strung acoustic guitar as a main lead instrument, “Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook” conjures up sunsets in Spain and peaceful sunshine bathed fields swaying in the breeze. There is a blend of modern Chillout styles and some more Urban sounding Jazz tinged opuses on this album – music to have a warm bath in. This compilation is one for every Shulgin fan’s collection, as well as those who simply enjoy the pleasant atmosphere it creates.
“Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook. Part I” is a fusion between jazz and easy listening, suitable for every situation – background music, cozying up with your lover, or just chilling out and relaxing. This is, of course, a tribute to the notable line-up of notable English instrumentalists, including guitarist Paul Drew, drummer John Howeels, keyboardist Simon Rushby, bassist Steve King, saxophonist Chris ‘Beebe’ Aldridge, and backing vocalist Laura Whittel. Recorded in spring 2008 at DWB Music record studio in the UK, the album was produced by young English producers Paul Drew, Greig Watts and Pete Barringer.
“Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook. Part II” – a piano album produced by Richard Niles and performed by well-known jazz multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband in a “minimalist” style. What makes the album most effective is the combination of Shulgin’s strong compositions along with the creative interpretation of these compositions by Husband, complement each other and mesh into a strong album. The last track, entitled “Woman’s Happiness Theme” features the guitar playing of Martin Taylor, a well-known British jazz guitarist, whose warm and clean sound adds a welcome and long-overdue new layer to the sound of the acoustic piano.
“Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook. Part III” – was made in a “smooth jazz” style, recorded together with the most famous worldwide jazz musicians: Billy Cobham, John Patitucci, Bob James, Bob Mintzer and others. The material was recorded during spring and summer of 2007 at New-York and London studios. The legendary Richard Niles, who before had worked with Luciano Pavarotti, Paul McCartney, Pat Matini, The Pet Shop Boys group, was a producer of the album.
About Alexander Shulgin Alexander Shulgin is a leading composer, performer and executive in the new Russian music industry, having worked with such iconic artists as Valeria, Mumiy Troll, Dima Malikov, Gruppa.fm and many others. Mr. Shulgin owns and operates Familia Entertainment, a record label, and Familia Publishing, a publishing company.
Shulgin began his career with the legendary Russian rock band The Cruise (1983-1986), which sold 20 million copies of their first album in 1985. He went on the work on a series of international projects, from “The Taiga Symphony,” a combination of Russian classic music with western rock-music performed by The Moscow Symphony Orchestra, to “Merry Christmas to the World”, another ambitious East-West collaboration between Shulgin and BBC Worldwide. Shulgin is also a composer of music for films and TV, his songs appearing in films by Lukas Moodysson and Ken Russell, the TV music serial “Primadonna” as well as all the music for the first public TV channel “Spas” for which he composed.
http://alexandershulgin.musicdish.net
April 2009
Song: My Moscow (Moya Moskva)
Composer: Alexander Shulgin
Performers: Paul Drew, Steve King, Simon Rushby, Jon Howells, Chris “Beebe” Aldridge
Album: Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook, Part 1
Download Alexander Shulgin’s “My Moscow” MP3 "I believe that most people in the world like good music, regardless of the genre. If it’s good, it’s good. However, there are some genres of music out there that are quite polarizing like heavy metal or smooth jazz. Alexander Shulgin song, “My Moscow” would certainly be considered smooth jazz, and right off the bat, that may turn a lot of people off. However, the acoustic guitar playing of Paul Drew adds a sort of flamenco feel that comes from the minor scale pattern used, and also is a result of the nylon strings (which I believe guitar players often under-appreciate). Chris Aldridge adds a clean sax sound and his tone works well for this style. Though Shulgin’s skills as a composer are more clearly on display on other tracks, his compositional chops are still present here, regardless of the simplicity. So, if you can get past the whole smooth jazz thing, you should be able to enjoy this track." – Will Cohn, MusicDish e-Journal
About Triptych. Shulgin’s Songbook, Part 1 www.myspace.com/shulginalexander
An instrumental album of the music of feelings and mind, romantic lounge, recorded together with the most famous English instrumentalists – Simon Rushby, Steve King, Jon Howell, lead guitars by Paul Drew. Album was recorded in spring 2008 in Great Britain, at DWB Music record studio, situated at the ecologically pure district of London, where the ecologically pure music is born. The record was produced by young English producers Paul Drew, Greig Watts and Pete Barringer, who have the great experience working with the wide range of different music – from pop and rock to the academy music.
alexandershulgin.musicdish.net
By Will J.B. Cohn, MusicDish e-Journal
Considering that people these days have an insatiable desire to be entertained at all times (part of the ADD generation that kids are growing up in), it’s hard to believe that a minimalist album will hold a listeners attention for very long. With the absence of bass and drums, the music is extremely exposed, and there is risk of boring the listener to death. However, if performed by the right musicians (in this case Gary Husband and Martin Taylor) and composed by a talented composer like Alexander Shulgin, it can be a unique listening experience.
Alexander Shulgin’s Part 2 of his new album Triptych is a minimalist album, with only a single musician on all tracks, except the last. All the songs are Shulgin’s compositions, but Gary Husband (a well-known jazz multi-instrumentalist) is the one performing them on piano. Over the years Gary Husband has played for many of the jazz heavyweights out there, including Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Mike Stern, and Billy Cobham.
What makes the album most effective is the combination of Shulgin’s strong compositions along with the creative interpretation of these compositions by Husband. For instance, while the second track, “Primadonna”, contains the dark and ominous chord voicing of Shulgin, Husband is incorporating bluesy licks in the open space. On “Snowstormie”, the chords are characteristic of Shulgin, but the jazz lines that are played over these chords are clearly Husband’s ideas coming into play. Sometimes, different musical ideas clash, but in this case, the choices that Husband makes as the player and the choices that Shulgin makes as the composer complement each other, and mesh into a strong finished product.
The last track, entitled “Woman’s Happiness Theme” features the guitar playing of Martin Taylor, a well-known British jazz guitarist, whose warm and clean sound adds a welcome and long-overdue new layer to the sound of the acoustic piano. Throughout the track, Taylor and Husband give each other room to breath. When Taylor is playing lead, Husband takes a back seat, providing the chords in the background and allowing Taylor to show-off his jazz chops.
The addition of Martin Taylor works so well that I find it surprising that he plays on only the last song. In fact, since Taylor is most well known as a solo performer, I wouldn’t mind if one or two tracks were just him. Although the acoustic piano sound is easy on the ears, after several tracks in a row, the album appears to be a craving a different color, and this craving is satisfied only at the very end. Regardless, Shulgin’s compositions are strong enough to get past the repetitive timbre, and along with Husband’s creative interpretation of the compositions, the album is a success. And, depending on how ADD you are, it should hold your attention. </td>
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March 2009
Review: Triptych. Alexander Shulgin’s Songbook Part 1
By Michele Wilson-Morris, MusicDish e-Journal
A good massage, aromatherapy, sipping on a glass of chardonnay as you sit by the fireplace reading a book by your favorite author, and Triptych, Shulgin’s Songbook Part 1. You might be asking yourself what these have in common. Here’s your answer – they can all transform you into an oasis of blissful relaxation.
As I prepared myself to review the first of the three album compilation ‘Triptych, Shulgin’s Songbook’ by Russian icon Alexander Shulgin, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. He’s certainly accomplished, having been part of the Soviet-era rock band “The Cruise” that sold 20 million copies of their debut album in 1985. Shulgin went on to work with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, compose music for various films and TV series, and collaborate with artists such as Valeria, Mumiy Troll, Dima Malikov and Gruppa.fm.
But when I sat down to take a listen, I had just had a very frustrating day, and to be perfectly honest, was not particularly anxious to critique anything. But, like a good girl, I sat back and began to listen to the CD. All I can say is, my mood totally and instantly changed from being stressed out to being totally relaxed.
‘Triptych, Shulgin’s Songbook, Part 1’ is simply a phenomenal album! It’s a jazz lover’s paradise. While it’s close to American jazz, it maintains its own distinct sound. This album is a fusion between jazz and easy listening, suitable for every situation – background music, cozying up with your lover, or just chilling out and relaxing. My personal favorites off the 13 track album include “Primadonna”, “Whether Was or Was Not”, “Herself”, and “My Moscow.” Primadonna is the first track and whets your appetite for the remaining songs. With a smooth, melodic, and sometimes dual guitar lead, the song is funky to the very last note. It’s classy and a bit provocative – teasing and taunting. Whether Was or Was Not romances you and reminds me of one’s search for love in all its intensity and splendor. The keyboards, guitar, drums, and bass start off with a nice simple rhythm and become more intertwined and complex as they build into a very rich climax, complementing each other nicely.
‘Triptych, Shulgin’s Songbook, Part 1’ is so mellow, so relaxing and smooth, that I was and am still truly impressed. From the first track to the last, I was mesmerized. I closed my eyes and sometimes felt as if I were sitting in a jazz club with cozy lighting, my favorite drink in my hand, and my man by my side. At other times, I was taken away to the beach with the sound of the ocean and the wind blowing lightly across my face. I can’t wait to hear the other two albums, and will definitely be adding it to my CD collection.
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This is, of course, a tribute to the notable line-up of artists including guitarist Paul Drew, drummer John Howeels, keyboardist Simon Rushby, bassist Steve King, saxophonist Chris ‘Beebe’ Aldridge, and backing vocalist Laura Whittel. Shulgin rallied these talented artists to perform his compositions for Triptych, and let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint.
Chris Aldridge’s warm and raspy sax lead in and solo improvisations add a unique and colorful hue to My Moscow, all the while carrying the listener to a fresh and unexpected, yet somehow familiar destination. John Howells on drums provides a solid, yet sensitive and integrated foundation for the flowing counterpoint of Simon Rushby’s keyboard and Steve King’s bass on Herself. The last track, “Only You,” has a Spanish feel to it and the music really reminds you of someone who is in “amore”. This track has a beautiful piano solo and is so romantic, it should be rated LWL (listen with lover). Shulgin’s style is somewhat similar to that of Lee Ritenour, of whom I am a big fan.
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