Over time, the Montreal-based saxophonist of Ukrainian origin, Bogdan Gumenyuk, has proven to be a musician and creator with a very beautiful personality and, above all, originality. In terms of jazz, Gumenyuk practices an accessible and melodic contemporary style, rooted in the classic hard bop school but with sound updates inherited from the best contemporary practices. But it is especially in his explorations of Ukrainian folk sounds, whether in his harmonic playing or in the use of traditional instruments (trembita, tylynka, double sopilka, etc.), that the artist produces the most astonishing and exciting musical experiences. For example, in A Dream Passes, he transforms a jazz composition of the expected style into an almost ecstatic fervour, driven by traditional instruments. The evolution of the music from one style to the other occurs in a beautifully natural and organic transition, demonstrating solid craftsmanship in both styles, in addition to a broad technical mastery.
Elsewhere, Gumenyuk transports us into a spoken word atmosphere (The Church of the Holy Spirit) or into folk pop-pastoral (Bird Talk), animated by one of the flutes from his arsenal (I couldn’t say which one). The woody timbre, brightened by the artist’s performance as he sings a cheerful theme, shares the space with much more ardent impulses, or an electric guitar infuses a rock character to the whole. And it continues like this throughout ten pieces (original compositions and folk songs from the Ukrainian repertoire) rich in details, atmospheres, and lively dialogues between the band members.
Stream of Hope is an album that stimulates the music lover’s listening experience with exclusive sounds, beautifully framed by refined and communicative jazz. We wish long life to Bogdan Gumenyuk and his ultra-personal style.
Bogdan Gumenyuk will be at the Belmont on Sunday, November 8, for the album launch (parts of the profits from the album will be donated to the Ptakhi Foundation, an organization that helps Ukrainians affected by the war).
Another Gumenyuk concert: November 29, The Rex, Toronto
Bogdan Gumenyuk — tenor saxophone, trembita, tylynka, double sopilka, cow horn, spoken word
Paul Shrofel — piano, keyboards
Steve Raegele — guitar (tracks 3, 4)
Mike de Masi — bass (tracks 2, 8, 10)
Sandy Eldred — bass (tracks 3 – 5)
Rich Irwin — drums, tambourine (tracks 1, 2, 7, 8, 10)
Jacob Wutzke — drums (tracks 3 – 5)
