Painter Of Dreams features two highly reworked standards along with six recent melody-forward compositions, to which Tsiganov applies his signature blend of radical reharmonization, mixed meters, shifting tempos, and changing keys. Otherwise, this ambitious recital documents several “firsts.”

For one thing, Tsiganov expands beyond the saxophone-trumpet- piano-bass-drums format, scoring five of the eight selections for either three or four horns. For another, he broadens his tonal palette beyond the almost entirely acoustic soundscape of his prior Criss Cross oeuvre, liberally weaving the Rhodes and Minimoog into the flow, as well as the preternaturally flexible voice of Hiske Oosterwijk, who also contributes two lyrics.

Also, for the first time as a leader, Tsiganov augments the luminous trumpeter-flugelhornist (and 13-time Criss Cross leader) Alex Sipiagin on the front line with alto sax titan Miguel Zenón, who plays for the entirety of the proceedings, and – on three pieces – the transcendent Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones.

PERSONNEL:

MISHA TSIGANOV - (piano, rhodes, synthesizer)
CHRIS POTTER  - (tenor & soprano saxophone)
MIGUEL ZENON - (alto saxophone)
ALEX SIPIAGIN - (trumpet)
JOHNATHAN BLAKE - (drums)
MATT BREWER - (bass)
HISKE OOSTERWIJK - (vocals on tracks 2, 4, 6)

TRACKS:

01. ELUSIVE DOTS
02. APRIL
03. UP JOURNEY
04. PAINTER OF DREAMS
05. LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY
06. SEELEY STREET SONG
07. CHAIN OF EVENTS
08. I LOVES YOU PORGY