Luka Udjbinac - Now & Beyond

Through eight of his own compositions Luka Udjbinac introduces himself, not only as a subtle guitarist but as a composer and a score-writer as well.

Tracks
01 Intro to Ocean's Minor
02 Ocean's Minor
03 mr.P.M.
04 Now and Beyond
05 Friends
06 Relaxin' at a Blue Room
07 Just Blow
08 Believe Me, It's Possible

Review by Davor Hrvoj
The first album coming from Luka Udjbinac brings forth the music that was made during his four years of studying at the jazz academy in Klagenfurt. It reflects his musical interest at this time and hints to which direction his musical statement
will develop in the future. Through eight of his own compositions he introduces himself, not only as a subtle guitarist but as a composer and a score-writer as well. He skilfully transmits experiences and influences attained throughout eight
years of being in jazz music. His compositions reflect the fascination with the musical milieu and he is identified as a significant member of the world's new generation jazz musicians. Through his specific musical language which follows the
contemporary movements in jazz Luka relates to nature, optimism, friendship and to the humane side of one's nature. Respecting tradition, with the direct and convincing words, Luka states: "Even if walls need to be torn down, for me a
righteous path is a path without curves. No roundabouts. To be true to yourself and the music. To live the music I'm making." For the recording Luka selected a group of jazz musicians with whom he worked before in various bands and achieved natural
communication and the same musical impulse. It is the reason why the repertoire didn't have to be rehearsed : "I wanted to achieve spontaneity, just the kind of spontaneity that would take me over during the making of the compositions, and I could only do that with the musicians I can relate to completely. The last arrangements were prepared the night before the recording and the band members were introduced with the note material in the studio. Despite of that everything was completed in two days, not one composition was recorded more than twice and some we recorded from the first time." Fastidious in his choice of associates Luka Udjbinac formed an international band combined of musicians from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and U.S.A. Although aware of the difficulties in the continued running of such a band, where musicians are busy working in the numerous bands in the countries where they live, he didn't want to give up his idea. Mesmerised by the achieved musical material the band regularly answers the call for concerts, so that we can already speak of the regular band Luka Udjbinac - Now and Beyond. The introductory composition shows a contemporary approach based on a healthy tradition of mainstream and already from the next composition "Ocean's minor" it is clear that these are competent musicians who convincingly and lightly play in this style. The arrangements are carefully worked over and the compositions are imaginative, this high level of quality is kept during the entire album and every composition brings its story, a personal statement, but never for a moment abandoning its original idea and style.