Scenes from the Dark Ages

"I dreamed of being born in the Middle Ages," says composer Yelena Eckemoff. Yelena's latest album is not an interpretation of early music stylistic devices with a modern jazz feel. Rather, Yelena's compositions combine classical music structures and her own melodies with the diverse rhythmic and stylistic innovations of jazz, fusion and world music of the 21st century. In addition, she brings her own enthusiasm to each moment in interpreting and performing the unique material. Yelena recorded this album in Italy, bringing together an ensemble perfectly suited to implement her ideas: Riccardo Bertuzzi (electric guitar), Carlo Nicita (flute), Eloisa Manera (violin), Riccardo Oliva (electric bass) and the legendary percussionist/drummer Trilok Gurtu. From the very first sounds, the listener is made aware that this album defies the expectations of ist title. However, when Yelena enters with a chant-like theme on the piano, you begin to understand the genius of her compositional style - how the impact of a simple melodic idea can change depending on the context. As if to further underline this point, Yelena continues to twist the melody. Amazingly, these transitions between musical ideas are seamless.