Aleksandr Saratsky. Tsvite teren. (Blackthorn Flowers)

Few recordings of the piano music have appeared lately – here we mean the pure piano, without any admixtures. Actually, it may be, only, Roman Kolyada who takes the risk of recording and releasing such albums – but what Roman does is not quite jazz. Well, and among jazz pianists –nobody seems to take the risk either, except for Olexander Saratsky. With bands – yes, but solo – no. It is a pity, sure – and, having listened to the new piece by Saratsky, you understand why once again. There are things that can be not only heard – but shown only in silence, otherwise there is no sense. There are things the sense of which is in tints, nuances, "trifles", therefore they require from the listener not just his / her presence – but concentration, attention. The album "'Blackthorn Flowers" is exactly such case, because the core of it comprises well-known pieces. Ukrainian folk songs, or even popular, widespread songs. And this complicates the task a bit – because it is more difficult to see familiar things in another light. And even more difficult – to add the colors that would emphasize the essence, not to consider folklore as a formal basis for growing narcissuses. Thus, the possibility of light depends on methods of comprehension. And it should be noted here that to the main line Saratsky adds three obvious additional ones: classics, blues and jazz. On the basis of these four elements, it is possible to create a great number of patterns – and you will, sure, hear some of them here..