ALEXANDER MIHAYLOV & HIS PATARDIA (BG)

Alexander Mihaylov is a Bulgarian folklore and jazz musician, who has found creative expression through two very distinct instruments - kaval (a traditional Bulgarian wooden flute) and saxophone. Thanks to his numerous years of experience in the Bulgarian folk and jazz scene, he skillfully manages to blend these styles and to create musical landscapes in ethno-jazz stylistics. His compositions lay their roots mainly in those musical styles, naturally flowing between ancestral and contemporary sounds. The quintet “Alexander Mihaylov & His Patardia” came together at the end of 2022 during the recording of Alexander’s debut album and is inspired by the title of this very same album. The word “Patardia” means in Bulgarian “noise and uproar”, as well as mixing dissimilar sounds. This type of unexpected musical blend is the album’s base - compositions in which the kaval’s sound is intertwined with styles distant from its authentic sound. The starting point of this project is the Bulgarian traditional folklore music heritage, articulated with present-day musical language and techniques. The album, which was released in 2023, includes original compositions by Alexander Mihaylov based on his experience in folklore, jazz and world music. The mixture of which can be characterized as fusion. The tunes flow through different moods from tender to lively and playful, revealing the author’s personal story.

PATARDIA Makers: Alexander Mihaylov - kaval, saxophone (band leader); Ilko Gradev - keyboards, accordion; Georgi Popov - percussion; Georgi Uzunov - bass guitar; Deyan Iliev - drums;