"Bagra," the fourth installment in Biliana Voutchkova's DUOS2022 series, is a captivating exploration of sound and improvisation, released on September 2, 2022, via Relative Pitch Records. This album is a testament to the creative synergy between Voutchkova and trumpeter Susana Santos Silva, who together weave a tapestry of free jazz, art rock, experimental, and drone elements. The duo's improvisational prowess is on full display across the album's two tracks, "Bagra" and "Geraldina," each pushing the boundaries of their respective instruments and the collaborative process.
Voutchkova, a versatile artist, contributes violin, voice, piano, percussion, and various objects, while Santos Silva brings her unique perspective with trumpet and found sounds. The result is a dynamic and engaging sonic journey that showcases the duo's ability to communicate and react to each other in real-time, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The album's cover art, "Aspects of Cosmological Indifference (Verse II) #18" by Nicholas Hughes, complements the music's abstract and exploratory nature.
"Bagra" is a testament to the power of improvisation and the unique chemistry between Voutchkova and Santos Silva. With its blend of genres and innovative approach to sound, this album is sure to captivate fans of experimental and avant-garde music. The recording was expertly engineered and mixed by Tilman Kanitz, ensuring that every nuance of the duo's performance is captured and presented with clarity and depth. Whether you're a longtime fan of Voutchkova's work or new to her music, "Bagra" offers a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience.