Showcase: Alexander Mihaylov & His Patardia (BG)

Alexander Mihaylov is a Bulgarian folk and jazz musician, who has found creative expression through two very distinct instruments – kaval (a traditional Bulgarian wooden flute) and saxophone. Drawing from his deep roots in both folk and jazz, he merges these influences to shape rich ethno-jazz soundscapes that flow effortlessly between tradition and contemporary expression.

His quintet, “Alexander Mihaylov & His Patardia” takes its name from his debut album, Patardia – a Bulgarian word meaning “noise and uproar” as well as the fusion of contrasting sounds. True to its name, the project thrives on unexpected musical combinations, intertwining the ancient tones of the kaval with modern influences. The result is a vibrant fusion that redefines the instrument’s possibilities, pushing it beyond its traditional roots into bold, new territories.

Mihaylov is joined by an exceptional group of musicians, each adding their own distinctive touch to the band’s sound – Ilko Gradev (keyboards, accordion) enriches the music with harmonic depth, Georgi Popov (percussion) provides intricate rhythmic layers, Georgi Uzunov (bass guitar) lays down dynamic grooves, and Viktor Radanov (drums) drives the pulse with both subtlety and power.