'Mandala' by Rastko Obradović

'Mandala' serves as the new release from Rastko Obradović who makes his formal introduction through Italy's A.MA Records.

The release of the saxophonist's first solo-helmed project must come with some satisfaction and feel like a project long in the works.  The Serbian born and raised artist earned his degree in Jazz Performance from the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo and has since that time has continued to cultivate a diverse and varied repertoire rooted in his affection for a wide variety of musical styles.

As a recipient of The Best Young Artist award from Jazz, Rock & Pop Musicians' Association of Serbia in 2019, Obradović has been almost single-minded in his pursuits within music amassing consistent touring opportunities and an impressive amount of collaborative efforts.  Having appeared on projects alongside Martin Nodeland, Jelena Jovović, SJB Project and the Milos Branisavljevic Quartet, Obradović has further released the four-track EP 'Wabi Sabi' as part of a duo project alongside pianist Bojan Zulfikarpašić and helmed 'The Northern Experience' as part of the Rastko Obradović Quartet.

Whilst Obradović's the aforementioned past releases have been presented as quite focused projects, 'Mandala' features a slightly more unhindered display of the saxophonist's musical perspectives.  An album that finds an elegant balance between American sensibilities and a European aesthetic, 'Mandala' serves as an imaginative take on contemporary jazz from an innovative young artist who is clearly not short on ideas.

Obradović may have just delivered his first album through A.MA Records but his history with the label goes back some years now with the saxophonist appearing on a litany of past releases for the label including Sanja Markovic's 'Ascension', Irina Pavlovic's 'The Soulful Heritage' and Milos Colovic's 'To the Beat of My Footsteps', amongst others.  It's certainly fitting that after being a part of so many incredible releases for A.MA Records that Rastko Obradović would finally be bestowed the distinction of his own project with the esteemed recording home.

And providing fantastic support to Obradović throughout 'Mandala' is pianist Vladan Veljkovic, double-bassist Aleksandar Petrovic and drummer Nikola Banovic who each deliver standout performances and sparkling chemistry as a tight-knit quartet.

The brilliant energy of 'Kanda' kicks the project off in scintillating fashion displaying a beautiful warmth to its composition that immediately sets the bar so high for the album's remaining seven tracks; while 'Nemir' serves as a perfect follow-up, the two-part 'Prisoner & the Soldier' delivers as an excellent double-header offering two distinct takes on the theme, both eloquently presented.  The album's closing number, 'Afternoon', caps off a truly excellent and personality-driven album that finds the project reaching its conclusion with the same dexterity that it began with.

The album's Bandcamp page describes the word 'Mandala' as having roots within the concept of a "rogue" or "vagabond" - perhaps a reference to an unbridled and rebellious creative spirit; there is another context of discussion however within the notion of the Sanskrit word "mandala" which translates to "circle".  A symbolic ideal in its own way - as the circle is representative of wholeness and a return to origins, perhaps that's a concept that surmises Rastko Obradović's album best... after years of collaboration, touring and studying, 'Mandala' can best be perceived as a project that finds the saxophonist having come full circle - arriving at a place that fully reflects his own voice and musical identity.