Shahin Novrasli

Shahin Novrasli (born February 10, 1977) is an Azerbaijani jazz pianist, and composer.

Early years Childhood Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 10 February 1977, Shahin is a descendant of celebrated 19th century Azerbaijani poet Mirza Alesker Novres. His father, professor Novras, and mother, economist Naila, instilled their sons with their own knowledgeable love for good music. At three years old, Shahin was already displaying an interest in music and rhythm. His first major public performance, aged 11, was in Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall for a symphony orchestra concert by composer Azer Rzayev. In Gulya Namazova's class at music college, Shahin was a very serious student of classical music and displayed great skill in performing a huge range of works by Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and other composers. This classical background is often to be heard in his jazz compositions but his love for American music - its jazz, rhythm, harmony - prevails. Combining all the musical skills, from playing to composing, jazz opened the way for Shahin to express his inner world, his music and it was not long in becoming the main focus of his creativity.

College and Music Academy From 15 to 19 Shahin immersed himself in his favoured music, listening to the great pianists: Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea; all the while studying harmony and composition. Graduating from the Bulbul Music School, he moved on to the Azerbaijan State Music Academy. Here he also dedicated time to analysing the music of the legendary Azerbaijani jazz pianist Vagif Mustafazadeh, creator of a synthesis of jazz and traditional Azerbaijani Mugham music. Vagif's compositions still feature in Shahin's repertoire.

Career

From 1997 he began to play in America and Europe in different formats: solo, trio, quartet.... There have also been experiments; adding different instruments to the group, including his own voice. Shahin has recorded three live albums: Live in Moscow, Live in Prague Castle and Jz'Mu, Live in Baku. There is also the experimental album Eternal Way, and Bayati, recorded while living and touring in America and released on the French Bee Jazz label. His detailed study of mugham added another ingredient to his compositions and concerts, furthering the mix of West and East.thumb A defining moment in Shahin's work and career was his meeting with Ahmad Jamal. In 2014 in America, Shahin met Jamal's manager Laura Hess-Hay; she introduced him to Ahmad Jamal, who rated his music highly and is to this day he representing Shahin to the world.

"He is one of the great pianists what I ever heard of" - Ahmad Jamal - which received UK Vibe award as "Best Jazz Albums of 2017", album was released on the French label Jazz Village, PIAS. In 2019, September 13 on Jazz Village,(PIAS) alongside Jamal's "Ballades" Shahin released his album " From Baku to New York City", produced by Ahmad Jamal.

Shahin Novrasli Festival In 2022, Shahin Novrasli under the support of Pasha Holding and other partners was established Shahin Novrasli Festival, an annual celebration of music and culture. On multi-stages, with open air and indoor concerts the festival became one of the most meaningful events of Baku City, making visitors groove to the sounds of live music, soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. Piano - being a musical instrument, covering all genres in music & art field , turned the festival into a real celebrating of music & art. Annualy, during the 14 day, Shahin Novrasli Festival helds 15 events presenting famous groups of classic, jazz, flamenco, modern music, featuring soloists, mugam piano, modern music, tango, piano concertos with orchestra and others as well as introducing local talented young pianists. Within the framework of the Shahin Novrasli Festival, we are implementing the "We are the Future" a very significant project to support young talents, introducing new generation as well as children from low financial status and with special needs. The main goal of the project is to inspire young generation. Shahin Novrasli Festival is continuing keeping tradition being meaningful and annual. The purpose of the festival is to culturally bring together the people of the countries, demonstrating the best musicians from all over the world. Our mission is to serve as a cultural bridge connecting countries and cultures.

Personal life In 2007, Shahin married Natavan Novrasli, classical singer, an Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, soloist with the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. They have two sons, born in 2008 and 2015.

Discography