Vladimir Nikolov will be conducting 2 shows in Denmark with Grammy® & Latin Grammy® nominated jazz vocalist Maria Mendes & Nordkraft Big Band:
Thursday, May 16 – Concert, Studenterhuset Aalborg
Friday, May 17 – Concert, Sæby Jazzfestival
The program will contain Maria’s music and several original compositions by Vladimir Nikolov.
“Bringing jazz and Fado together has been the most important and artistically satisfying work I’ve done so far and truly nourished my soul. It has been eye-opening to connect with the beautiful heritage that came from my ancestors.”
That’s what it sounds like from Portuguese vocalist and composer Maria Mendes, for whom living between two different worlds is no stranger. With her critically acclaimed albums “Close To Me” and “Saudade, Color of Love”, Mendes, who is also praised by such legendary composers as Quincy Jones and Hermeto Pascoal, highlighted her ability to bring together different impressions in a fantastic way with her lively fusion of orchestral jazz and Portuguese Fado, the folk music of her homeland.
The music is the result of a handful of iconic fados such as “Foi Deus”, “Tudo Isto É Fado” and “Barco Negro” and traditional Portuguese songs such as “Quando Eu Era Pequenina” and “Verdes Anos” interpreted into a fascinating genre that mixes jazz, contemporary music and folk music.
One of Mendes’ favorites is “Com Que Voz”, an old song from Portugal whose lyrics are more than 500 years old, written by the poet Luis de Camões, considered by many to be the Portuguese Shakespeare, and immortalized by the legend and queen of fado, Amalia Rodrigues. This song opens the show and sets the mood for an unforgettable evening where the big band’s lush orchestral sound reaches new heights in the exciting interplay between Mendes’ heartfelt voice, which sings stories of saudade, longing and love.