Nikola Bankov Feat. Seamus Blake - Bright Future

Nikola Bankov is a 20 year old alto saxophonist and composer who is truly pushing the boundaries of his instrument. His debut album 'Bright Future' emerges as Nikola's definitive statement, merging inspiring and catchy melodies with a refreshingly original sound.

The album features world-renowned tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake (USA). Bankov and Blake experiment with a range of FX effects applied to the sound of the saxophone, adding a new set of colours to their musical palate. The rest of the band is made up of some of the best young and and high-in-demand musicians in Denmark.

Nikola Bankov originates from Slovakia and is currently studying at The Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus Denmark. Bankov has also previously attended Berklee College of Music and Conservatorium van Amsterdam jazz summer programs. In 2015 he was awarded at the New Faces of Slovak Jazz Competition with prize Discovery of the festival.

Bright Future consists of 7 original compositions by the band leader, who has been gradually forming them since he was 16 years old. It is a mix of contemporary jazz with electronics, creating fresh and modern soundscapes. As Nikola says: We are still looking for new colours and positions all the time. We don't really want to sound like a jazz band. Being only 20 years old, I'm also influenced by other genres and trends. I'm trying to compose music that sounds contemporary and not that it is trapped in the past. Bright Future presents a vision to create something new and hopes to leave the listener with a message of hope.

PersonnelNikola Bankov - alto saxophone/compositionsSeamus Blake - tenor saxophoneJonas Gravlund - guitarAugust Korsgaard - synthsJens Mikkel Madsen - bassJohn Riddell - drums