Dusko Goykovich started playing jazz in Yugoslavia when it was forbidden under communism. After leaving his homeland in the early 1960s, he joined several of the best jazz groups in Europe and the States, carving out a name for himself as an all-around trumpeter. Known for rapid-fire playing, well-chiseled solos and the ability to lead a tight quartet, Goykovich returns to Japan this week with his newest group.
Unlike many trumpeters of his generation, Goykovich managed to slip out from under the shadow of Miles Davis. He developed his own sound over the years, one that reveals fresh facets of familiar pieces. He can turn a melody around in a beat and fire off eighth notes with the best, but he also has a lyrical touch that never feels forced.
He's also not afraid of tossing in a Yugoslavian folk melody either when he feels like it. His latest release, "Samba de Mar," explores what he calls "Euro-samba." Like many jazz musicians more into music than commerce, he also regularly records for smaller labels that have only limited distribution.
For this tour, Goykovich will be engaging a top-notch band of young players. Most interesting will be his match-up with the up-and-coming Belgian guitarist Ferenc Snetberger. Born into a Gypsy family, Snetberger's amazing technique blends Jim Hall with Django Reinhardt. Drummer Jarrod Cagwin and Martin Gjakonovski round out the quartet.
Call ahead because shows on Goykovich's last two tours through Japan have been packed. And just try getting a word in with him after the show: Students ask for advice, fans ask for autographs and even jazz writers all have to wait in line to tell him he's one of the best trumpeters around.
