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Hristo Vitchev

Hristo Vitchev is an impressionistic modern jazz guitarist and composer from Sofia, Bulgaria. Now residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hristo leads a variety of modern jazz formations, ranging from duets to quintets. Hristo has toured nationally and internationally, appearing at some of the most prestigious jazz clubs and festivals, and has also performed guitar clinics in Europe and Japan. He has written more than 270 original compositions, many articles on jazz improvisation, and a book on chordal theory and construction entitled Between the Voicings: A New Approach to Chord Building for Guitarists. The Hristo Vitchev Quartet’s 2009 debut album, Song for Messambria (First Orbit Sounds Music) quickly received outstanding reviews by the international jazz community and was selected as one of the six best jazz albums of 2009 by E-JAZZ NEWS.

“Vitchev’s sophisticated and adventurous work is imbued with shimmering harmonies and lyrical improvisations.” – JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE

“Vitchev’s multihued compositions are like impressionistic sound paintings.” – JAZZIZ

“Bulgaria-born, Bay Area-based guitarist Hristo Vitchev, having firmly established himself as a gentle giant in the contemporary jazz scene, seems always willing and able to reinvent himself while holding true to the integrity of his artistry.” – ECM REVIEWS

“You just won’t find a jazz guitarist (on the planet) these days who has such essential communication skills through his fingers.” – Improvijazzation Nation Magazine

“Hristo Vitchev may be one of the best kept secrets in jazz today. He is the epitome of sonic gold.” – DIGITAL JAZZ NEWS

“Hristo Vitchev plays as the cultural end result of his life experiences. Simply put, Vitchev plays more so from the heart than he does the head.” – Critical Jazz “A richly textured album full of strong melodic and rhythmic ideas and with some superb playing throughout.” – THE JAZZ MANN (England)

“Hristo is now looked upon as one today's finest jazz guitarists around the world. He’s a creative artist with a strong passion and endless originality. His music has magic powers since he can bring listeners’ emotions to a far deeper place that few people ever reach.” - Andrea Nardini (The Noodle Chronicle - Shanghai, China)

As jazz critic Edward Blanco describes: “Vitchev is the newest guitarist to enter the national jazz scene and does so with a stunner of a recording in Song for Messambria, one of the finest debut albums I've had the pleasure of appraising this year.”

The record presents a unique blend of ECM-style modern jazz, classical, and Brazilian tone textures, and showcases the completely unique and masterful interpretation of the jazz idiom by each one of its members. In late 2009, Hristo Vitchev released his second studio album featuring Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Weber Iago. The Secrets of an Angel is an impressionistic landscape painted by the delightful and graceful conversation between the two instruments (guitar/piano).

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Album Review

Hristo Vitchev: Of Light and Shadows

Read "Of Light and Shadows" reviewed by Tyran Grillo


Guitarist Hristo Vitchev reconvenes his synergistic quartet with pianist Jasnam Daya Singh, bassist Dan Robbins and drummer Mike Shannon for a set of nine originals, each deeper than the last. It's the kind of session that happens perhaps once in a decade, where every detail dovetails into the next without the merest hint of force. The title track is a joyous opener, practicing what it preaches by virtue of its gradations. It exudes passionate musical ideas and exposition. ...

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Jazz Journal

Winter 2018

Read "Winter 2018" reviewed by Doug Collette


Jazz Journal is a regular column consisting of pithy takes on recent jazz releases of note as well as spotlights on those titles in the genre that might otherwise go unnoticed under the cultural radar. Mark Wade Trio Moving Day Self-Produced 2018 Often ghostly in its ambiance, the music on Moving Day is always flawless in its execution. The Mark Wade Trio are seemingly further inspired with each successive moment in which ...

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Album Review

Hristo Vitchev: Of Light and Shadows

Read "Of Light and Shadows" reviewed by Phillip Woolever


Vitchev's latest effort is another jewel in his growing catalogue of widespread genres. Given Vitchev's warmly ambitious range of projects, he may soon be able to center his own multi-themed festival. This presents his current, contemporary style quartet in an impressive showcase. The SF bay area group's core has played together in various ensembles for years, and their cohesive evolution is demonstrated throughout. Vitchev gives his band mates plenty of room to groove from the opening track on, ...

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Catching Up With

Hristo Vitchev: Charting His Own Way

Read "Hristo Vitchev: Charting His Own Way" reviewed by David Becker


Hristo Vitchev isn't a typical guitar hero. Supremely fluent with his instrument, the prolific composer and performer would rather communicate than show off complex technique. His albums and concerts are full of gorgeously understated performances that leave just the right amount of room for the musicians to support each other and the audience to fill in the blanks. Maybe it was inevitable that Vitchev would take an idiosyncratic approach to jazz, given the twisted route he took to ...

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Album Review

Hristo Vitchev Quartet: In Search of Wonders

Read "In Search of Wonders" reviewed by Mark Sullivan


Bulgarian-born San Franciscan jazz guitarist/composer Hristo Vitchev leads an experienced quartet on this double-CD collection of attractive modern jazz. This is his seventh release as a leader, and the third with this quartet (allowing for a change in the drum chair), following Familiar Fields (First Orbit Sounds Music, 2013) and Song For Messsambria (First Orbit Sounds Music, 2009). His influences are eclectic, but the chamber jazz sound of tracks like the piano solo “Stay (Prelude)" and the guitar/piano duet “We ...

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Album Review

Hristo Vitchev Quartet: In Search of Wonders

Read "In Search of Wonders" reviewed by Edward Blanco


Marking his seventh project as a leader, internationally-renowned impressionistic guitarist Hristo Vitchev presents In Search of Wonders, his first double album of original world-tinged modern jazz delivered in the same creatively unique style this guitarist, is known for. One thing remains the same, the music is intellectual, soul-searching, harmonically-rich and thoroughly enchanting. With a double album containing a total of fifteen new pieces, Vitchev offers plenty more of wonders to sample than he has in the past. Performing ...

5
Album Review

Hristo Vitchev Quartet: In Search of Wonders

Read "In Search of Wonders" reviewed by Roger Farbey


With six previous albums already to his name, guitarist Hristo Vitchev has now released a double album of his own compositions, benefitting from the inclusion of three exceptionally talented musicians constituting his quartet. Vitchev's dextrously lithe playing is evident from the start on the (initially) pastoral opener “The Transitory Nature," recalling the styles and fluidity of John Abercrombie and Bill Frisell. After a short tranquil piano-led opening statement “It May Backfire," the longest track at nearly fourteen minutes, ...

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Education

Modern Jazz Guitarist Hristo Vitchev's New Video Masterclass "Harmonic Expansions" - Now Available

Modern Jazz Guitarist Hristo Vitchev's New Video Masterclass "Harmonic Expansions" - Now Available

Source: Hristo Vitchev

Bulgarian modern jazz guitarist/composer Hristo Vitchev demonstrates material from his book on chordal theory and construction: “Between the Voicings" in a comprehensive video lesson exclusively available through JazzGuitarSociety.com In this video masterclass, Hristo Vitchev demonstrates how to expand your chordal vocabulary by breaking away from the traditional “Drop 2" and “Drop 2 & 4" voicings and bringing a fresh and modern sound to your chordal playing, accompaniment, and harmonic improvisations. Hristo takes you through his method of creating voicings utilizing ...

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Performance / Tour

Bulgarian Modern Jazz Guitarist Hristo Vitchev's 2012 West Coast Tour Dates

Bulgarian Modern Jazz Guitarist Hristo Vitchev's 2012 West Coast Tour Dates

Source: Hristo Vitchev

Referred by the media as one of the newest voices in jazz guitar, Hristo Vitchev's music has been captivating audiences all across the globe. At only age 31 he has already released four critically acclaimed albums as a leader plus two more releases as a co-leader. As JazzTimes magazine describes his music: “Vitchev's sophisticated and adventurous work is imbued with shimmering harmonies and lyrical improvisations." “Vitchev's multihued compositions are like impressionistic sound paintings." - JAZZIZ Right now Hristo is presenting ...

Performance / Tour

SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev And Weber Iago) Live At "Downtown Jazz" - Redwood City, CA - July 2nd / 6:00pm

SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev And Weber Iago) Live At "Downtown Jazz" - Redwood City, CA - July 2nd / 6:00pm

Source: Hristo Vitchev

July 2nd | Modern Jazz 6:00pm - 8:00pm 2600 Block of Broadway SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Iago) SEVA is a modern jazz formation combining elements of classical, folk, rock, latin, and world music under the umbrella of the jazz sensibility and seeks to explore vibrant and distant harmonic landscapes with their modern and sophisticated sound. SEVA was formed in late 2010 by Bulgarian modern jazz guitarist Hristo Vitchev and Brazilian (Latin Grammy Nominee) piano ...

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Performance / Tour

Hristo Vitchev / Weber Iago / Christian Tamburr - "Heartmony 3" - Live At "Bach And Dynamite" on June 17

Hristo Vitchev / Weber Iago / Christian Tamburr - "Heartmony 3" - Live At "Bach And Dynamite" on June 17

Source: Hristo Vitchev

Bulgarian modern Jazz Guitarist/Composer Hristo Vitchev presents the music from his latest and critically acclaimed record “HEARTMONY" with Brazilian piano sensation and Latin Grammy Nominee Weber Iago and virtuoso vibraphonist Downbeat award winner Christian Tamburr. SUNDAY, JUNE 17th 4:30pm BACH DANCING AND DYNAMITE 311 Mirada Road Half Moon Bay, CA $35 Reviews of the Heartmony CD: “If ever there were a marriage between classical music and jazz then this Heartmony is it. ...

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Recording

Hristo Vitchev / Weber Lago Highly Anticipated New Album "Heartmony" Is Now Available

Hristo Vitchev / Weber Lago Highly Anticipated New Album "Heartmony" Is Now Available

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Heartmony is modern jazz guitarist Hristo Vitchev's fourth album as a leader. After his critically acclaimed quartet's debut record Song for Messabria and his first duo session with pianist Weber Lago The Secrets of An Angel, Hristo recorded The Perperikon Suite with his quintet (a large scale jazz suite specifically written for the 53rd edition of the Monterey Jazz Festival). This year he releases his second outing with Latin Grammy Nominee Weber Lago. Heartmony is a truly intimate and colorful ...

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Performance / Tour

SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Iago) at Club Fox on December 1st

SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Iago) at Club Fox on December 1st

Source: Hristo Vitchev

Thursday, December 1st 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00pm) Tickets: $14 adv / $16 door. SEVA was formed in late 2010 by Bulgarian modern jazz guitarist Hristo Vitchev and Brazilian piano sensation Weber Iago. Vitchev and Iago have a long musical relationship as band mates in the Hristo Vitchev Quartet and Quintet, the Vitchev / Iago Project, Joe DeRose and Amici as well as special guest appearances by Hristo with the Weber Iago quartet. All of their ...

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Performance / Tour

SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Lago) at Yoshi's on September 26th

SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Lago) at Yoshi's on September 26th

Source: Hristo Vitchev

SEVA was formed in late 2010 by Bulgarian modern jazz guitarist Hristo Vitchev and Brazilian piano sensation Weber Lago. Vitchev and Lago have a long musical relationship as band mates in the Hristo Vitchev Quartet and Quintet, the Vitchev / Lago Project, Joe DeRose and Amici as well as special guest appearances by Hristo with the Weber Iago quartet. All of their musical endeavors have received critical acclaim at the national and international jazz scenes. However, with their brand new ...

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Performance / Tour

SEVA Featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Iago "LIVE" at Piedmont Piano Co. (Oakland) on June 3rd

SEVA Featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Iago "LIVE" at Piedmont Piano Co. (Oakland) on June 3rd

Source: Hristo Vitchev

SEVA is a modern jazz formation combining elements of classical, folk, rock, latin, and world music under the umbrella of the jazz sensibility and seeks to explore vibrant and distant harmonic landscapes with their modern and sophisticated sound. http://www.sevatheband.com/ SEVA was formed in late 2010 by Bulgarian modern jazz guitarist Hristo Vitchev and Brazilian piano sensation Weber Iago. Vitchev and Iago have a long musical ...relationship as band mates in the Hristo Vitchev Quartet and Quintet, the Vitchev / Iago ...

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Event

Guitar Fest 2011 - featuring Hristo Vitchev / Rick Vandivier / Neil Kelly - April 28th at Club FOX (Redwood City, CA)

Guitar Fest 2011 - featuring Hristo Vitchev / Rick Vandivier / Neil Kelly - April 28th at Club FOX (Redwood City, CA)

Source: Hristo Vitchev

Guitar Fest 2011 showcases three of the hottest jazz guitarists in the S.F. Bay Area. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of these completely unique musicians on one stage. The impressionistic styling of Hristo Vitchev, the bluesy and groovy melodies of Rick Vandivier, and the hard-bop swing of Neil Kelly will simply fascinate you! Backed up by a seasoned rhythm section of none other than Jason Lewis on drums and Dan Robbins on bass, we promise you that ...

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Recording

Hristo Vitchev Quintet brand new album "The Perperikon Suite" - Officially Released

Hristo Vitchev Quintet brand new album "The Perperikon Suite" - Officially Released

Source: Jeff Rzepiela Public Relations

The Perperikon Suite is the brand new album by the Hristo Vitchev Quintet. The music, which is inspired by the spirit and magic of the ancient and sacred Thracian city of Perperikon, combines modern jazz, fusion, world, and orchestral elements into a large scale jazz suite in 7 movements. The impressionistic work was specifically written to be premiered by the group at their 53rd Monterey Jazz Festival appearance on Sep. 18th 2010. The reception of the music was so amazing ...

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Of Light and Shadows

First Orbit Sounds
2018

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In Search of Wonders

First Orbit Sounds
2016

buy

Familiar Fields

First Orbit Sounds
2013

buy

Rhodopa

First Orbit Sounds
2013

buy

Hristo Vitchev...

First Orbit Sounds
2013

buy

Heartmony

First Orbit Sounds
2012

buy

In Search of Wonders

From: In Search of Wonders
By Hristo Vitchev

The Acropolis

From: The Perperikon Suite
By Hristo Vitchev

Musica Humana

From: Heartmony
By Hristo Vitchev

Devoiko Mari Hubava (Beautiful Young Lady)

From: Rhodopa
By Hristo Vitchev

Wounded by a Poisoned Arrow

From: Familiar Fields
By Hristo Vitchev

Videos

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