Jazz Stories – The Tenor Legacy

Jazz history is unimaginable without the powerful, warm, and captivating sound of the tenor saxophone. It is an instrument that helped define the golden eras of hard bop, cool jazz, and modern jazz. At this concert, you will hear the music and stories of jazz titans, brought to life by an exceptional quartet led by Pavel Arakelian, one of the finest tenor saxophonists on the Lithuanian jazz scene in recent years. His distinctive style, sound, and virtuosity never fail to captivate audiences.

Pavel Arakelian – saxophone
Vytis Smolskas – piano
Aliaksei Kryshtal – double bass
Augustas Baronas – drums

The concert programme features compositions by Coleman Hawkins, a pioneer of the jazz tenor saxophone; Hank Mobley, a master of melodic hard bop; Sonny Rollins, renowned for his fiery rhythmic drive and freedom of improvisation; Benny Golson, the creator of elegant compositions and timeless jazz standards; and Dexter Gordon, a master of deep, unmistakably stylish sound.
Joining Pavel on stage is an outstanding trio of musicians. Pianist Vytis Smolskas combines virtuoso technique, unexpected improvisational ideas, and stylistic versatility. Double bassist Aliaksei Kryshtal brings sophisticated harmonies and a steady pulse, giving the soloists complete freedom. One of Lithuania’s finest jazz drummers, Augustas Baronas, brings the authentic hard bop and bebop spirit to life with his dynamic playing and vibrant musical dialogue.