Just listen and relax [AzeriJazz]

Shahin Novrasli [2007 Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition 2nd prize winner] has been called a rising star of the jazz world….within a very short period he has so mastered the depth and range of possibilities of jazz that he has impressed both connoisseurs and professionals with his playing at international festivals in Europe and the USA.

"A successor to his great compatriot, Vagif Mustafa-zadeh", "A Rising Star of the world jazz stage"; the young Azerbaijani pianist and composer drew these enthusiastic words of praise from Moscow jazzmen on the threshold of his performance in Russia's capital. Today we can say that Shahin Novrasli is the visiting card of Azerbaijan jazz. He has created a successful synthesis of Azerbaijani mugham melodies and jazz. His music combines two great cultures from the East and the West.

A slow curl of exotic melodies, sharp harmony, capricious eastern rhythms and then, on the turn, lightning-quick American jazz – this is the music of Shahin Novrasli.

He was born in Baku in 1977 and began learning music at a very early age. By the time he was eleven he had already played at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonia, as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra. At the insistence of his teachers, he continued his education at the Bulbul Music School, applying himself to serious study of classical music. At the age of 18, Shahin Novrasli performed Rachmaninov's 2nd Concerto and received the jury's highest marks. While studying at the Baku Music Academy, this young musician dedicated himself totally to classical and jazz music. From that time owards he has been continually involved in international tours and festivals.

During his rare moments of respite from tours and concerts, Shahin works to devise new projects. This was the origin of his synthesis of a jazz trio with folk instruments – 'Eternal Way' – with the participation of Nathan Peck, Alexander Mashin, Arslan and Nurlan Novrasli; a jazz solo project, 'Clajamu' and a classical solo project (consisting of compositions by classical composers, including Mozart and Bach).

Shahin has performed and recorded with Kenny Wheeler,Udai Mazumdar, Allison Miller, Nathan Peck, Alex Peck, Matt Zebrosky, Jeff Lederer, Jon Wikan, Sasha Mashin and other famous musicians.

Shahin Novrasli gives lessons and masterclasses at universities and high schools in Turkey, France, Russia, Azerbaijan and in the countries where he plays concerts.
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Download & listen www.shahinnovrasli.com/