Big Band Charts by Vladimir Nikolov

Vladimir Nikolov

Vladimir Nikolov is a composer whose works cover a wide range of musical languages and genres, using backgrounds in classical music and jazz as point of departure. He has been ‘behind the scenes’ of worldwide orchestral projects as arranger for some time now, while also frequently performing as conductor and guitarist with renowned soloists and ensembles.

He was born 1979 and raised in Skopje, Macedonia. He started music at the age of 14, beginning with the guitar. Soon after, he enrolled in classical guitar studies with Vera Ogrizović and Pablo Barón, graduating with an original composition. Deeply inspired by mentorship of Ilija Pejovski, Vladimir began cross-over composing and arranging. After departing for the Netherlands in the autumn of 2002, he started jazz composition and arranging studies with Jurre Haanstra at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, Netherlands. He finished his Master’s studies in 2005 with focus on symphonic writing.

As a composer/arranger and band leader, Vladimir worked with ensembles such as the Metropole Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic, Pophorn Big Band, Berlin Art Orchestra, Belgrade Philharmonic, Orchestra Jazz della Sardegna, Barga Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, the Amsterdam Saxophone Quartet. Among the collaborative artists, he worked with: John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Conrad Herwig, Ronnie Cuber, Vince Mendoza, Chaka Khan, Gino Vannelli, Andy Narell, Sertab Erener,  to name but a few.

Vladimir’s compositions and arrangements have won several international prizes, including two first prizes for original compositions and five first prizes for homages to the great jazz composers Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, David Liebman and Steve Swallow.

Vladimir Nikolov

Big Band Charts by Vladimir Nikolov

In Between

A medium straight 8′s piece with a steady train-like groove and nice harmonies. Form is rather unconventional and involves many different sections and nice surprises. Features first alto and any trumpet or trombone.

Middle of piece is a high contrast from a strong fortissimo tutti to piano dreamy counterpointed part, very atmospheric and peaceful. Afterwards, open solo builds up to theme, while orchestra builds a long gradation towards a confident ending. All trumpets double on flugelhorns (optional).
This piece won a first prize at “Scrivere in Jazz” 2006 Composition Contest in Sardinia, Italy.

Price – $19.95
VIEW SCORE & LISTEN

LISTEN ONLY


<<< PLAY In Between

Sade Sati

(for big band)

Contemporary straight-ahead piece with pedal harmony and mystic atmosphere. Features piano and first trombone. Has nice contrasts in between formal sections and a clear 4-end rhythm. Although contemporary, piece is also playable by intermediate players.
Chord changes include guides on chord scales. First alto doubles on soprano. Second to fourth trumpet double on flugelhorns (optional).
This piece was awarded the title of “Honorable Mention” at the Ithaca College of Music Jazz Ensemble 2011 Composition Contest.

Price – $19.95

 LISTEN


<<< PLAY Sade Sati

View Score While Listening

Labyrinth

Powerful and groovy African 12/8 piece with a floating lyrical theme and alternating tutti and solo sections. Piece was inspired by the spirit and energy of New York City.
It has nice build-ups, ends with a powerful tutti and is very much suited for an opening piece. Features drums, trumpet, alto, guitar and piano ad lib. solos upon easy changes and is therefore also good for soloists’ show-off. First alto doubles on soprano.
This piece won a first prize at BargaJazz International Composition Contest 2003 in Italy.

LISTEN


<<< PLAY Labyrinth

View Score While Listening