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Filip Dinev Romann Review by Gary Hill You will note that I have included this album in the progressive rock section of Music Street Journal. That's because we include fusion there, and while this does have some more pure jazz leanings, I would say that overall it's fusion. Filip Dinev plays guitar and composed all the music here. Well, that's true of everything except the Beatles cover, which he arranged. This is a jazz trio set-up with Tilman Oberbeck providing the double bass and Jan Zeimetz playing all the drums and percussion. This is dynamic and powerful stuff. It's quite effective instrumental music. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024 Volume 1 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.

Track by Track Review

Reindeers Quit The guitar on this thing works along some unique angles and directions. In some ways I'm reminded of Allan Holdsworth. Given that I think he was the greatest guitarist to live, that's how praise. This has an intriguing fusion arrangement and really does lean on the rock angle at times. Yet it's also purely jazz. It's dynamic, unpredictable and very cool.

Should Be Easy More pure jazz-like, the bass really gets a chance to shine on this track. The whole number is intriguing, though. The guitar soloing later takes it into more fusion-like zones further down the road.

Morgenland This fusion-based number definitely features some more insane guitar work. In addition to Holdsworth who is a returning reference point, I can hear some things that make me think of Steve Howe.

The Magic Kaval More crazed jamming is in place at times here. This is more of a rock number in a lot of ways. It has a great balance between more restrained and more intense stuff.

Last Dance A more reflective piece early, this has some world music and even some hints of blues in the mix. I really love some of the bass work later, and this gets into more fusion-like zones in that faster section. It gets very incendiary further down the road.

Blackbird This fusion-styled Beatles cover is intriguing. It is recognizable, but also drastically different. The rhythm section gets a chance to show off mid-track.

Hamburg Another intriguing piece, this has some blues in the mix, but also plenty of fusion. It's creative and has a decent dynamic range.

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