The twisted swing of Herbie Nichols (1919-63) deserves more attention according to Simon Nabatov. The Russian born piano player was attuned to the Thelonious Monk-like compositions of Nichols by such passionate supporters as Misha Mengelberg and Roswell Rudd. In New York and later on in Cologne the classically trained Nabatov developed himself into a one man orchestra. ‘One of the most complete virtuosos on his instrument, with a style that encompasses the whole of jazz history’ (de Volkskrant).

in collaboration with VPRO Radio

Simon Nabatov-piano