PAPATAMUS REDUX

SELF RELEASED (RELEASED MAY 25, 2026)

Guitarist Vladimir Redzic’s debut recording reminds us that jazz does not have to be complicated or controversial to make a statement. Redzic’s statement on First Time Around is as much about the timelessness of the Great American Songbook as it is about the enduring value of lyricism and the nuanced interplay between a group of like-minded musicians. Redzic’s strong and crisp single line guitar style (somewhat reminiscent of masters such as Charlie Christian and Barney Kessel) is supported by two different groups.  The first half of the recording features pianist Sam Ash, bassist Jonathan Meyer and drummer Steve Little covering Gershwin’s “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” Rodgers and Hart’s “With a Song in My Heart” and “Blue Gardenia,” a tune made famous by Nat King Cole. They approach each tune with a sense of swing and songfulness in their introductions as well as their solos. Redzic also introduces us to an original called “Bishop’s Gambit,” a 12-bar blues on which the composer demonstrates his skill at building a solo over six evolving choruses. Ash and Meyer also get a few choruses to “sing the blues.” That group also accompanies Juno-nominated vocalist Ale Nunez on a graceful and heartfelt version of Strachey and Maschwitz’s “These Foolish Things.” The remaining five tunes feature Redzic with the drum-less trio of bassist Neal Miner and pianist Steve Ash. Despite the lack of drums, the music swings just as hard as it did on the earlier tracks. Consider their take on Charlie Parker’s “Chasin’ the Bird” with fleet, bop filled solos as well as Redzic and Ash trading fours to bring the tune to its conclusion. Redzic is featured on Gershwin’s “How Long Has This Been Going On,” beginning with a stunning solo on the verse on which he adds some chords to his single note style (much like the solo work of Herb Ellis and Kenny Burrell) before Ash and Miner accompany him through the remainder of that classic ballad. The opening to Jimmy McHugh’s “Thou Swell” is a classic with Ash and Redzic providing a counterpoint to one another on the opening melody before digging into an up-tempo feel for the remainder of the tune. The set concludes with a lyrical version of “I’m in the Mood for Love” and a nice swinging groove on “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was.” The only thing more refreshing than the music of First Time Around was enjoying it on our deck on a delightful early spring morning. What a perfect combination for what I hope will be an uncomplicated and uncontroversial day.  

BOTTOM LINE: Born in Serbia, raised in Canada and now living in New York City, guitarist Vladimir Redzic makes his recording debut on First Time Around. The tunes, mostly from the Great American Songbook, are timeless. The performances are tasty and refined. This is jazz that thrives on simplicity, sophistication and swing. Let’s hope there is a second time around in the future.