By Esther Callens
Celebrated trumpeter/composer Alex Sipiagin returns presenting his latest on a new label. From Reality and Back features eight original compositions backed by a famed list of musicians. Released on Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s 5Passion label, From Reality and Back is an extraordinary collection.
Sipiagin’s most recent offers a phenomenal list of talents doing what they enjoy doing best – making some fantastic music. Dave Holland (bass), Antonio Sanchez (percussion), Seamus Blake (sax) and Gonzalo Rubalcaba (piano) joins Sipiagin on this amazing recording. To add even more to the album’s appeal (as if that’s possible), award winning guitarist/composer Pat Metheny composed the special piece – “Son, Uvedeny Posle” (Dream Seen Later) especially for this project. Wow – could it get any better?
Sipiagin is a flawless trumpeter and this attribute is highly displayed in “Chain Reaction.” Additionally, throughout the project, the interplay between him and Blake is perfect in sync, pitch and tempo. The opener presents Gonzalo Rubalcaba leading off on “Around The Bend”, a smooth, uncomplicated composition. Additional track listing includes: “With the Tide”, “From Reality and Back”, “End Of…”, “Here and Now Son”, “Uvedeny Posle” and The Maze.” From Reality and Back offers a little over 70 minutes of pristine arrangements – it is destined to be among the classics.
Greatness runs in Alex Sipiagin family as his great-grand uncle was Leonid Sobinov, Russia’s most famous opera singer. Sipiagin was born in Yaroslavi Russia. As a young child he was a member of the children’s orchestra and he went to the musical college at the age of 15 to continue his studies. In 1991 he moved to New York City and it was here he began to capture the American audiences. Dave Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Deborah Cox, Aaron Neville, and numerous others make up an extensive list of talents he has had the pleasure of performing with. With 13 albums to his credit as a soloist, he also teaches in a special jazz program in Groningen, The Netherlands, as well as at a number of institutions. He and his family reside in Long Island.
