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OLEG KIREYEV & KEITH JAVORS feat. Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland

TOM HARRELL, TRUMPET/FLUGELHORN

OLEG KIREYEV, TENOR SAXOPHONE

KEITH JAVORS, PIANO

BEN WILLIAMS, BASS

E.J. STRICKLAND, DRUMS

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OLEG KIREYEV & KEITH JAVORS feat. Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland

PERSONNEL

Album Home Page Visit Here

The Meeting Promotional Trailer View Here

From The Meeting (excerpts)April (Oleg Kireyev) Listen Here

Inwardly (Keith Javors) Listen Here

Estate (Martino/Brighetti) Listen Here

The Meeting (Oleg Kireyev) Listen Here

Caravan (Tizol/Ellington) Listen Here

Body and Soul (Heyman/Sour/Eyton/Green) Listen Here

Fresh Blues (Oleg Kireyev) Listen Here

April (alt. take) (Oleg Kireyev) Listen Here

Fresh Blues (alt. take) (Oleg Kireyev) Listen Here

Tom Harrell, trumpet/flugelhorn, Oleg Kireyev, tenor saxophone and vocals,

Keith Javors, piano, Ben Williams, acoustic bass, E.J. Strickland, drums

OLEG KIREYEV & KEITH JAVORS feat. Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland

WEB LINKS (CLICK ON A LINK TO VISIT/LISTEN)

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At a time of great political and social uncertainty, the dynamic post-cold war partnership of the Russian Federation's Oleg Kireyev (tenor saxophone) and U.S.’s Keith Javors (piano) continues to inspire jazz audiences around the globe. The co-leaders recently welcomed jazz trumpet luminary Tom Harrell, the heralded bassist Ben Williams (Pat Metheny), and the creative drummer E.J. Strickland (Ravi Coltrane) to the studio for their dynamic upcoming release, entitled The Meeting, available on May 31, 2016. (iTunes and Google Play preorder begins May 3.) The new record bridges the influences of two continents, featuring new original compositions by Kireyev and Javors, interspersed with standard material. The deluxe physical-only version of the album includes two additional alternate tracks and liner notes by Howard Mandel.

A chance internet meeting would evolve into something spectacular. Kireyev and Javors' association began in 2007 when Kireyev's manager reached out to Javors through the Internet with the possibility of a gig at the Union of Composers Club in Russia, where Kireyev is Artistic Director. An instant chemistry was noticed and a friendship forged, one that would inevitably result in numerous American and European Tours. In addition to performances at numerous world class clubs such as Smalls, the Iridium, Blues Alley, Chris' Jazz Cafe, and many others, Kireyev and Javors were together featured at the prestigious International House of Music, one of the premiere concert venues in Russia. Their flourishing partnership was first sonically documented on the April 13, 2010 release of Rhyme and Reason, featuring Oleg Kireyev & Keith Javors alongside bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer E.J. Strickland. The record received much critical acclaim from major music writers and charted on the JazzWeek World charts for several consecutive weeks. This, The Meeting, the tandem’s new sophomore effort, follows up on the earlier album’s success with a set that is as equally if not more captivating and creative, with model support from Harrell, Williams, and Strickland. Now on the advent of their this, their sophomore project together, Oleg Kireyev & Keith Javors, now more than ever, know the significance of that chance internet meeting, and it shows in the faces of enthusiastic audience members. While each day performing together is a meeting of sorts, Kireyev and Javors now see these as a blessing. Privileged here to draw from the deep talents of an All-Star NYC rhythm section and a lauded trumpet icon, the tandem continue to push the jazz envelope and promote unity wherever they play.

OLEG KIREYEV & KEITH JAVORS feat. Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland

BIOGRAPHY

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Oleg Kireyev is an internationally-recognized musician, touring frequently and playing to appreciative audiences in Europe and the U.S. Having undertaken many innovative and provocative international jazz projects in a performing career spanning three decades, The Express and Star says Kireyev is “a Russian sax player with a reputation for hard swing and high excitement”. “Incredibly good”, “Soft and enthusiastic” and “Stylish and top-notch” are all phrases music critics have written about his voice on saxophone. He has performed at the London Jazz Festival, the New York Jazz Improv Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, to name a few. Legendary musician Bud Shank says: "Oleg's playing is a marvelous combination of styles, incorporating a whole lot of players. I hear echoes of the 1920’s and John Coltrane combined with unstructured jazz." Keith Javors is an iconoclastic figure on today’s international music scene, rare in his accomplishments as dually a producer and artist as well as an award-winning educator. Known for his “technical virtuosity, a riveting compositional style, and constant creativity” (AllAboutJazz), Javors is a true musicians’ musician, possessive of extraordinary versatility and a riveting ballad style. His performance credits include eight albums as a leader and appearances at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and numerous others. As Bill Milkowski writes in Jazz Times, “Javors distinguishes himself as a bandleader intent on collective envelope-pushing.”

The Meeting, by Oleg Kireyev & Keith Javors featuring Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland will be available March 31, 2016 with a radio add date of May 30th.

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How far must a reeds virtuoso from Bashkiria – a town in the Ural Mountains, southeast of Moscow towards Mongolia – and a pianist-composer-educator from southern Illinois, now living in Philadelphia, have to go to get together? Not very, based on the music Oleg Kireyev and Keith Javors arrive at on The Meeting. Simply to a shared sense of joy in swinging rhythms, warm, rich harmonies and singable songs.

In their second co-led album Kireyev and Javors offer more delightful proof that music made by talented people who listen to each other leaps geographic, cultural and even temporal chasms. Performing four original compositions and three re-imaginings of American songbook standards, Kireyev and Javors with stellar collaboration from trumpeter Tom Harrell, bassist Ben Williams and drummer E.J. Strickland renew the air of mellow uplift they attained on their 2010 debut Rhyme and Reason. The two principals reinforce a partnership beyond borders they began in 2006 via serendipity, curiosity and the Internet, producing a gift of jazz for the enjoyment of everyone, every where.

Oleg discovered Keith while surfing the 'net in search of creative musicians, and was instantly intrigued. "He has his own identity, a memorable style of play," Oleg wrote in a recent email. "I was impressed by his rich melodicism, beautiful harmonies and grasp as a composer. His wattage is in sync with my inner world." As curator of the Moscow Union of Composers Club, the Russian saxophonist invited the American pianist to visit and play. Why not? They hit it off and toured Poland and Russia. Then Javors arranged for Kireyev to come to the U.S. First stop: Blues Alley in Washington, D.C.

"You often hear it said that people play how they are, who they are," Javors said in a phone conversation, "and between Oleg and me, it's true. Our personal and musical rapport involves mutual sensitivity and spontaneity. Our strengths have to do with our abilities to listen to each other – empathy, which in part stems from our friendship. Oleg does different ethno-musicological projects and is a good adapter; when he finds himself in a moment that might take the music in one direction or another, he rises to the occasion. In our gigs, tours and recordings we've had to make similarly spontaneous decisions, and I like our choices.”

OLEG KIREYEV & KEITH JAVORS feat. Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland

LINER NOTES (HOWARD MANDEL)

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Both Kireyev and Javors have equally gracious things to say about Harrell, Williams and Strickland (as well as Boris Kozlov, bassist on Rhyme and Reason), but the glory of good vibes is most appreciated by listeners when they are manifest, as they are here, in the sounds.

From the start of "April," Oleg's composition, Keith unfurls his characteristic deft touch, and E.J. his ability (in Keith's words) "to kick hard and be creative without overplaying and filling up all the spaces." Tom Harrell's first solo is a model of seemingly easy, graceful flight. When Oleg embarks on his tenor solo, does he quote Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas" before expanding on his own sunny theme? When Keith returns to the track's front and center, Ben Williams is close at hand as is Strickland, adding model support.

The balladic "Inwardly," which Keith wrote for Tom with this album in mind – as he did the "The Meeting" itself – unfolds reflectively from Ben Williams' spot-lit statement. Says composer Javors: "I was thinking about looking outwardly versus looking inwardly. Over time, I've learned that it's easier to look out than in, although 'in' can be more constructive." The subtle temper of this rendition is sustained throughout an arc that includes ensemble passages and the two horns in unusual duet.

"The Meeting" may be Keith's gregarious reverse of "Inwardly," its loping beat and the distinct voicing of trumpet and sax representing the group's camaraderie. "Estate," the samba by Bruno Martino which was brought to the jazz world by Joao Gilberto, here is a feature for the trio of Keith, Ben and E.J. It dips into the wistfulness Brazilians call "saudade."

At the other end of the exoticism spectrum, Kireyev starts "Caravan" with a snatch of Tuvan throat-singing, probably a first for the much-recorded theme by Juan Tizol which Duke Ellington so indelibly cast. "There is some connection between Eastern and Asian music in 'Caravan,'" Oleg says, "and that is my element." He and Javors often play this as an encore, encouraging audience call-and-response.

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"Body and Soul" has become, like "Caravan," one of jazz's fundamental works. Kireyev lays out the long, beautiful line with reverence, though he expresses that over a surprisingly complementary backbeat. "In my view, 'Body and Soul' is the quintessence of our lives' vibrating between major and minor feelings," the saxophonist says. "It's one of my favorite pieces, immeasurable, always revealing new facets." The Meeting concludes with Kireyev's "Fresh Blues," a hard-bop foray for the quintet, full of intriguing detail, pulsing with life.

Keith Javors, born in 1971, mentions "I grew up at the end of the Cold War, and I was scared to death of Russia, what I was told the nation was capable of and who they are as a people." His exposure to the reality of the country, enabled by his enduring friendship with Oleg Kireyev, has of course, turned those ill-informed concerns around. "We did the whole album in just one session, with one rehearsal the night before," Keith says. "The feeling for all five of us in the studio was buoyant, upbeat." Yes, it must have been so – it's audible. Which is rhyme and reason enough to heed The Meeting.

–Howard Mandel

Chicago, Illinois

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"Expansive vision and boundless rhythmic variation...a band with tremendous self-assurance and unlimited imagination." -Downbeat Magazine

“A smart record, with much music in which to come to terms demanding multiple listens that will grow enjoyment exponentially.” -AllAboutJazz

“One of those records you’ll find yourself playing often when you can’t decide what you want to listen to.” -Jazzwise Magazine

“Kireyev and Javors have a lot of common ground and the two of them are very much in sync…Kireyev’s rapport with Javors is as strong on the contemplative ‘What Is Love’ as it is on the mildly funky ‘Chinatown.” -Jazz Inside Magazine

"Springtime begins with an interlude that seems totally improvised, showcasing Kozlov’s bowing skills, Kireyev’s ability to sputter through high-speed flurries of notes, and Javors’ more aggressive tendencies before launching into a high-speed workout…A very well-played, utterly mainstream, straightahead record." -BurningAmbulance Blog

“Mainstream playing at its best.” -Cadence Magazine

“As close to being a flawless mainstream jazz album in this age as you can get.” -SomethingElseReviews.com

“If this is a sign of the harmony that can exist between two nations that were once fierce rivals, we need to introduce jazz in North Korea, Afghanistan etc.!” -O’s Notes

“An enjoyable album that bridges the mainstream/contemporary divide with aplomb.” -The Jazzmann

“A classy session and one which breaks down the barriers between mainstream and modern.” -The Jazz Breakfast

"The type of forward-looking recording that grows in interest with each listen and is a perfect example of 21st century jazz.” -Scott Yanow

“Javors works seamlessly with Kireyev…This quartet played with purpose, polish and precision. But most importantly, they still swung.” -Jazz Society of Oregon

“Executions are well-crafted songs are well arranged, with intelligent architecture, designed to coordinate the quartet without the banality of jam sessions. -All About Jazz - Italy

OLEG KIREYEV & KEITH JAVORS feat. Tom Harrell, Ben Williams, and E.J. Strickland

S E L E C T R E V I E W S

Inarhyme Records (+1) 800-453-3034 info@inarhyme.com