Herak/Bulaktin Quartet Featuring Paul Towndrow – Traverse Theatre

I’m not especially familiar with jazz, and if I’d heard this music on the radio, I wouldn’t have got it. It turns out that jazz makes more sense when you experience a live performance, and my ears begin to tune in to its language. It reminds me of the first time I saw Shakespeare performed.

The gathering feels cosy, in the informal setting of the Traverse bar. I am struck by the intense concentration of each musician when the others are playing. This is a conversation, where each participant must focus so they can respond to the others’ cues. Listening is everything.

The composers, Miro Herak and Daniel Bulaktin, draw on their Slavic heritage as well as classical traditions. The opening number, Herak’s Slavic Dance, is rousing, and is followed by Ellie, a thoughtfully melodic piece that he wrote for his daughter. There is a density to the soundscape, which feels a bit like walking through an enchanted forest. I think the vibraphone – Herak’s instrument – contributes to this textured sensation, as well as adding a layer of complexity in combination with Bulaktin’s piano.

Rendezvous in Rotterdam, composed by Bulaktin, has the intrigue of a spy film soundtrack. I don’t know who was present at the rendezvous in question, but I suspect that one of them was a femme fatale.

Bulaktin also uses electronic sound effects from his laptop. There are samples of ocean waves and bird song that add a soothing context to the music. There was also a rather jarring sound that Bulaktin mixed into the number right before the interval. Maybe he wanted to wake us up? This was the only bit of the show that I didn’t like.

The rhythm section comprises Johannes Fend on double bass, and Martin Hafizi on drums. Both shine, each bringing his own character to the quartet. Scottish saxophonist, Paul Towndrow, is their guest, with a warm and vibrant, meditative presence.

I liked Simple Things, which is about ‘people in the sun doing normal stuff’. Bulaktin calls this his ‘radio hit’. It’s never been played on the radio, and it’s eleven minutes long, but it’s the closest thing he has to a radio-friendly piece. I imagined walking by the sea, eating fish and chips on the last day of my holidays, and I felt warm inside.

I spent a pleasant evening in the company of these wonderful musicians and left feeling refreshed and uplifted. Highly recommended.

Upcoming tour dates are available here: Miro Herak – Tour

Reviewer: Wendy McEwan

Reviewed: 17^th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: