Viktorija Pilatovic - Stories (2017)

Lithuanian jazz vocalist and composer Viktorija Pilatovic’s has shared the stage with an impressive lineup of musicians from around the world – Victor Wooten, Victor Mendoza Gene Jackson and Robin Eubanks, to name a few – and she has performed at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival as well as the Vilnius Mama Jazz Festival.

Viktorija explains that her new album ‘Stories’ ‘is inspired and dedicated to people I have met while living in Lithuania,The Netherlands, Spain and Ecuador. Each song represents a certain state of mind. Music has helped me to express and capture those elusive moments in a gentle way’.

It must be said that the geography we cover by exploring her new album, is quite something. The new album was recorded in Spain with mainly Spanish musicians (Israel Sandoval, Perico Sambeat Alberto Palau, Ales Cesarini and Mariano Steimberg) and mixed in New York and Viktorija’s songs were written Ecuador, The Netherlands, Lithuania and Valencia – you get the feeling you are going on a worldwide tour before you even start listening!

The whole album, with the exception of one track (Nice Odd) has a relaxing and calming feel to it, mainly due to Viktorija’s well trained vocal style, with a cohesive theme that holds everything together well. The vocals suit the writing perfectly and Viktorija’s emotional intent for the album, are demonstrated well, not only through her vocal style but also through her wonderfully descriptive lyrics. Special mention to the pianist Alberto Palau who’s performance on this album shows supports where needed and absolutely shines when the occasion arises.