Gregor Ftičar, Paolo Orlandi, Mátyás Szandai

North East: A Jazz Trio Honouring a Legacy

In the heart of Europe, where musical traditions converge, a trio stands out, carrying forward the legacy of a fallen comrade while captivating audiences with their music. North East, the brainchild of Slovenian pianist Gregor Ftičar and Italian drummer Paolo Orlandi, is a testament to the enduring power of music and the unwavering spirit of collaboration.

Ftičar, a pianist with a strong harmonic and dynamic understanding has dazzled audiences with his performances alongside some of the most renowned jazz musicians across Europe. Orlandi, a drummer with a rhythmic prowess that drives the heartbeat of the music, brings a dynamic energy that propels the trio forward.

Their partnership blossomed in Geneva, where their creative synergy sparked an idea for a jazz piano formation that would embody their shared vision of musical expression. After an extensive search, they discovered Hungarian bassist Matias Szandai, a musician with an innate ability to connect the trio's distinct playing styles.

With Szandai in the fold, North East begun its journey, performing in Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia, playing in renowned jazz venues and captivating audiences with their unique sound. Their repertoire, is a blend of original compositions and jazz standards, meant to showcase the trio's versatility and depth of musicality.

In 2022, the trio ventured to Torino, Italy, to record their debut album. The album captures the essence of their live performances and showcases their musical teamwork.

However, tragedy struck in August 2023 when Szandai passed away unexpectedly. Grieving the loss of their dear friend and bandmate, Ftičar and Orlandi decided to honor Szandai's legacy by dedicating this work to the Hungarian bass player.

This record stands as a beacon of hope and a tribute to a musician friend who shared with Ftičar and Orlandi an ever-burning passion for jazz and improvisation.

North East: A Jazz Trio Honouring a Legacy

In the heart of Europe, where musical traditions converge, a trio stands out, carrying forward the legacy of a fallen comrade while captivating audiences with their music. North East, the brainchild of Slovenian pianist Gregor Ftičar and Italian drummer Paolo Orlandi, is a testament to the enduring power of music and the unwavering spirit of collaboration.

Ftičar, a pianist with a strong harmonic and dynamic understanding has dazzled audiences with his performances alongside some of the most renowned jazz musicians across Europe. Orlandi, a drummer with a rhythmic prowess that drives the heartbeat of the music, brings a dynamic energy that propels the trio forward.

Their partnership blossomed in Geneva, where their creative synergy sparked an idea for a jazz piano formation that would embody their shared vision of musical expression. After an extensive search, they discovered Hungarian bassist Matias Szandai, a musician with an innate ability to connect the trio's distinct playing styles.

With Szandai in the fold, North East begun its journey, performing in Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia, playing in renowned jazz venues and captivating audiences with their unique sound. Their repertoire, is a blend of original compositions and jazz standards, meant to showcase the trio's versatility and depth of musicality.

In 2022, the trio ventured to Torino, Italy, to record their debut album. The album captures the essence of their live performances and showcases their musical teamwork.

However, tragedy struck in August 2023 when Szandai passed away unexpectedly. Grieving the loss of their dear friend and bandmate, Ftičar and Orlandi decided to honor Szandai's legacy by dedicating this work to the Hungarian bass player.

This record stands as a beacon of hope and a tribute to a musician friend who shared with Ftičar and Orlandi an ever-burning passion for jazz and improvisation.