Available in: CD, HD FILE 96kHz • 24bit

Tracks

1. Country of Obscurantism (Sasha Mashin) 09:11
2. Yellow Blues (Makar Novikov) 08:29
3. Hey it's Spring (Igor Stravinsky) 06:44
4. Darn the Dream (Jimmy Van Heusen) 06:06
5. Suite et Poursuite (Rosario Giuliani) 4.17pm

Line up

Sasha Mashin | drums
Rosario Giuliani | alto saxophone
Makar Novikov | double bass

Credits

Produced by Sasha Mashin | SMASHIN PRODUCTION
Executive Producer: Lorenzo Vella | BIRDBOX RECORDS
Recorded at Saint Louis College of Music (Rome)
Recording/mixing engineer: Sasha Mashin
Mastering engineer: Lorenzo Vella
Cover photo: Lorenzo Vella | NIGHTINGALE STUDIOS
Additional photos: Alessio Cesario, Ira Polyarnaya
Graphics: Nerina Fernandez

Description

Sasha Mashin - Happy Run
Sasha Mashin's new and first Italian album, entitled "Happy Run", features two extraordinary artists, saxophonist Rosario Giuliani and double bass player Makar Novikov.

Mashin, a Russian drummer, has chosen Italy and Rome as his place of residence for the last two years after the conflict in his country began. Sasha Mashin lived in Moscow, where he played a prominent role in the city's cultural and music scene. Two activities in particular occupied a large part of his time: “Sasha Mashin Happy Lab”, which took place once a week in Moscow's main jazz club, and 'Sasha Mashin Happy Run', where friends met to run 10 kilometers and chat once a week. The idea behind the music lab was to break down the barrier between the audience and the stage, promoting informal communication, concerts and the exchange of ideas. In a short time, the lab became a regular meeting place for listening to great music and a meeting place for creative people to share ideas and start new projects. Likewise, the amateur sports event became popular, with many of the same participants as “Happy Lab”. The rules were simple: as long as you run, you can learn anything you want, not only from the creator of the event, Mashin himself, but also from all the musicians or people involved in the 10-kilometer race, who came from different professional backgrounds. The outbreak of war profoundly changed the dynamics, not only on an international scale but also, and above all, in the lives of individuals. Sasha Mashin continued to “run”, and not only metaphorically. Arriving in Italy as a political refugee, he found new friends, exceptional musicians who welcomed him both as a person and as an artist. Today the Russian drummer feels he can call Rome his “home” and his new and old friends “his family”.

“I feel like I’ve finally finished my run,” Sasha Mashin explains in the liner notes to his album, “for the first time in a long time I feel truly happy. While the idea of ​​emigrating used to fill me with existential dread, I don’t even feel like I’ve left home. Italians are so open, friendly and supportive that it feels like I’ve run a marathon and reached the finish line. I’m home.” The songs on the album “Happy Run” are composed by Sasha Mashin himself. “Country of Obscurantism” suggests that it doesn’t have to be beautiful, which helps the artist share it with a lighter heart. “I promise that I will continue my attempts and maybe one day I will write something more beautiful with a more joyful undertone.” The album includes the beautiful composition “Yellow Blues” by Makar Novikov, the magnificent three-part “Suite et Poursuite” by Rosario Giuliani, the ballad “Darn That Dream” by Jimmy Van Heusen, and even a piece from “The Rite of Spring” by the artist’s favorite composer, Igor Stravinsky (“Introduction, Les Augures printaniers”), paired with Victor Lewis’ composition “Hey, It’s Me You Are Talkin’ To” (music that the artist believes was inspired by Stravinsky himself). “One of the most beautiful experiences of running,” says Sasha, “is the ability to think and plan while running. During these moments, the chemistry of the brain changes significantly, producing more serotonin and dopamine, and you can think more clearly and precisely. Through regular running, I have learned one important thing: you cannot escape from yourself. But you can escape from the darkness, both inside and outside of you. Running is a smart sport. Run happy!”

“Happy Run” is an album that is not only about music but also tells a story. It is a metaphorical “race” that allowed the artist to move away from the darkness of a difficult past and brought him to Italy for a new life, in his new home!