RALE MICIC: Serbia (featuring Tom Harrell)

Rale Micic

Serbia (featuring Tom Harrell)

© 2006 CTA Records (616892686026)

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In his latest release Rale Micic establishes himself as one of the most inventive voices on the music scene today. He is joined by jazz legend Tom Harrell.

tracks

1 Dimitrije, Sine Mitre
2 Song For Alma
3 Through The Night
4 Lucky Number
5 Far From Home
6 Together
7 Blessing
8 By Your Side
9 Happiness
10 Serbia

notes

On his latest CTA Records release entitled Serbia, Rale Micic establishes himself as one of the most inventive voices on the music scene today. With support from the trumpet great, Tom Harrell, who caught onto Rale's talents early on, music just seems to unfold, grounded in Micic's vision.

Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, guitarist and composer Rale Micic has come a long way - from a young boy struggling to have his music heard on the European jazz scene to being one of the most original guitarists in New York City today. With his debut album 'Bridges' released on CTA Records in 2003, Rale Micic created cult-like following among music fans with his mix of jazz and haunting melodies from the Balkans.

He recently signed an endorsement deal with D'Addario strings, joining the likes of guitarists Pat Metheny, John Scofield and Lenny Kravitz.

reviews

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  • The New York jazz scene has Rale Micic to thank for a portion of its continued g
    author: Jim Santella (All About Jazz)

    With his program of nine originals and one traditional Serbian folk song, guitarist Rale Micic paints jazz’s modern mainstream with a palette of beautiful colors. His guitar, along with trumpet and tenor saxophone, provides a warm reflection that allows the listener to settle in comfortably for an extended study session. Like all true art, his compositions and the quintet’s interpretations leave plenty of room for his audience to explore. His pieces contain variety and an adventuresome sense of swing. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Micic moved to the United States in 1995 to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He lives in New York now and appears to be comfortably immersed in the city’s modern jazz scene. Micic’s electric and nylon-string guitars allow him to interpret his music with convincing authority. Sean Conly’s “Far From Home” comes with a built-in longing that stretches out placidly. Both bassist and guitarist interpret this one with emotions bared. Micic’s “Lucky Number” rambles on the other side of the spectrum with a hip ensemble sound that sparkles enthusiastically. Tom Harrell’s trumpet and Micic’s guitar give “Together” a delicate fragility that connotes a deep love for its theme. The members of the quintet interpret this one with hearts worn on their shirtsleeves. ”Serbia,” a moody tone poem in 7/8 meter, reflects the Eastern European flavor that Micic grew up with. Through this closing number, he’s able to capture the true spirit. The New York jazz scene, and by extension jazz’s modern mainstream, has Rale Micic to thank for a portion of its continued growth. Of the many directions available in modern jazz, he’s chosen one of the most wholesome for his expressive pursuits.

  • The New York jazz scene has Rale Micic to thank for a portion of its continued g
    author: Jim Santella (All About Jazz)

    With his program of nine originals and one traditional Serbian folk song, guitarist Rale Micic paints jazz’s modern mainstream with a palette of beautiful colors. His guitar, along with trumpet and tenor saxophone, provides a warm reflection that allows the listener to settle in comfortably for an extended study session. Like all true art, his compositions and the quintet’s interpretations leave plenty of room for his audience to explore. His pieces contain variety and an adventuresome sense of swing. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Micic moved to the United States in 1995 to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He lives in New York now and appears to be comfortably immersed in the city’s modern jazz scene. Micic’s electric and nylon-string guitars allow him to interpret his music with convincing authority. Sean Conly’s “Far From Home” comes with a built-in longing that stretches out placidly. Both bassist and guitarist interpret this one with emotions bared. Micic’s “Lucky Number” rambles on the other side of the spectrum with a hip ensemble sound that sparkles enthusiastically. Tom Harrell’s trumpet and Micic’s guitar give “Together” a delicate fragility that connotes a deep love for its theme. The members of the quintet interpret this one with hearts worn on their shirtsleeves. ”Serbia,” a moody tone poem in 7/8 meter, reflects the Eastern European flavor that Micic grew up with. Through this closing number, he’s able to capture the true spirit. The New York jazz scene, and by extension jazz’s modern mainstream, has Rale Micic to thank for a portion of its continued growth. Of the many directions available in modern jazz, he’s chosen one of the most wholesome for his expressive pursuits.

  • As an electric guitarist, Micic resides somewhere between Kenny Burrell and Jim
    author: Glenn Astarita (All About Jazz)

    During a blindfold test, it would be hard for anyone to tell that guitarist Rale Micic hails from Serbia—or, for that matter, any other country that isn’t noted for modern jazz musicians. With help from notables such as trumpeter/flugelhornist Tom Harrell and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, this quartet packs an unassuming punch marked by soft tones and sleek phrasings. As an electric guitarist, Micic resides somewhere between Kenny Burrell and Jim Hall. He possesses a dark yet warm tone and is masterful when comping behind Harrell or tenor saxophonist Bob Reynolds. During a few midtempo swing numbers, the band uses space as a medium while pursuing gently flowing lyricism mixed with understated thematic forays. They open it up on “Lucky Number” with briskly stated bop lines. Micic executes diminutive phrasings, nimble single-note flurries and dreamy chord voicings; Hutchinson lays it all out with a polyrhythmic solo towards the finale. In other spots, the quartet delves into uptempo blues balladry and sprightly soloing, often tinged with pensive characteristics. Nonetheless, Micic surfaces as an idea man whose solid chops complement his seemingly extensive knowledge of the jazz vernacular.

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