Michael Waldrop - Native Son

Facts ... for those whose ears and hearts are open to fresh sounds and experiences, (Waldrop) offers myriad treasures to cherish. - All About Jazz. Well known throughout Europe for decades, the virtuoso Serbian pianist Vasil Had?imanov only became known to drummer Michael Waldrop while performing in a Belgrade club that Waldrop dropped in on during one of his yearly visits with in-laws. Later, stuck in his Pacific Northwest home during the pandemic, Waldrop thought to include Vasil in a remote recording session of his tune "Belgrade," which he had composed in 2001, reflecting the feelings of his first exposure to the city. Thrilled with the outcome, they eventually met in a Belgrade studio in 2024, joining with the equally inspired Macedonian bassist Martin Gjakonovski, to record this set of Waldrop originals as a trio. Waldrop then enlisted Brad Dutz and Jose Rossy to enhance the proceedings with an array of Afro-Cuban and Middle Eastern percussion instruments. Running the gamut from the churning percussion-fueled title track to tender ballads, and spirited tributes to masters Nana Vasconcelos and Elvin Jones, Native Son is another vibrant offering from Waldrop's growing catalog of ambitious releases.