An article by F. G. (694 words, 4 min. read)
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Emile Bustani Auditorium at Al Bustan Festival vibrated with emotion and energy as Jazzy Boris transported the audience into a world where Debussy met jazz.
Pianist Boris Berezovsky, accompanied by a remarkable ensemble: Vladimir Botvinovskiy on accordion, Nidal Abou Samra on saxophone, Khachatur Savzyan on double bass, and Fouad Afra on drums, delivered a mesmerizing performance that reimagined the French composer’s works through swing, improvisation, and deep musical expression.
Debussy in a New Light
The evening began with Boris Berezovsky alone at the piano, introducing the concert with a series of graceful and masterful solos. His touch was both delicate and commanding, setting the tone for the night with luminous interpretations of Debussy’s works. Each note carried a sense of fluidity and depth, drawing the audience into a world where classical elegance met the freedom of jazz.
From the very first notes, the musicians set the tone for an evening filled with beauty and surprise. Pieces like Les Collines d’Anacapri and La Danse de Puck took on an exhilarating swing, while La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin and Rêverie became even more ethereal through delicate jazz reharmonizations. The musicians wove Debussy’s signature colors into new textures, where syncopation and improvisation brought out fresh dimensions of his music. Minstrels, already playful in its original form, turned into a dazzling display of jazz phrasing, and L’Isle Joyeuse burst with rhythmic vitality, lifted by the synergy between piano, saxophone, and accordion.
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An Evening of Emotion and Transporting Sounds
Beyond Debussy, the concert took the audience on an emotional journey. Accordionist Vladimir Botvinovskiy delivered a breathtaking interlude, performing a series of songs from Edith Piaf’s repertoire, particularly L’Accordéoniste, with deep sensitivity and nostalgia. The moment was spellbinding, evoking a timeless Parisian atmosphere.
The evening then took another unexpected yet brilliant turn when saxophonist Nidal Abou Samra infused Lama Bada Yatasanna, a classic muwashshah, with jazz elements. The fusion of Andalusian heritage and modern improvisation created an enthralling dialogue between East and West, mesmerizing the audience with its beauty and fluidity.
Meanwhile, bassist Khachatur Savzyan and drummer Fouad Afra gave a masterful performance, sending waves of deep emotion and subtle melodies through their powerful yet restrained playing. Their instruments became voices of their own, weaving a rhythmic and harmonic foundation that allowed the other musicians to shine. Their synchronization with Berezovsky at the piano was impeccable, reflecting an unspoken musical connection that gave the performance its organic and seamless flow.
The Elegance of the Valse and the Passion of the Tango
As the night unfolded, the audience was further enchanted when the ensemble introduced two compositions by Vladimir Botvinovskiy: a Valse and a Tango. The Valse exuded elegance and nostalgia, its lilting rhythm and fluid phrasing transporting listeners to a world of old-world charm and romantic melancholy. The accordion and piano danced effortlessly, while the bass and drums provided a subtle, swaying pulse that carried the melody forward with grace.
The Tango, on the other hand, ignited the stage with its fiery passion and rhythmic intensity. The deep, dramatic phrasing of the double bass intertwined with the percussive precision of the piano, while the accordion and saxophone added layers of tension and release. The seductive interplay of syncopated rhythms and expressive melodies brought an irresistible energy to the performance, leaving the audience spellbound by the sheer emotional depth of the piece.
A Joyful, Unforgettable Experience
As the evening progressed, the joyful energy on stage became contagious. Smiles, exchanged glances, and spontaneous moments of improvisation filled the concert with life. The interplay between the musicians turned the performance into a true celebration – one where Debussy’s music, jazz, and world influences coexisted in perfect harmony.
By the time the final notes faded, the audience was left in awe, having witnessed not just a concert, but a journey; one that honored tradition while daring to reimagine it.
Jazzy Boris was not just a musical performance; it was an experience of pure artistic fusion, a testament to the power of music to transcend time, genre, and expectation.
