i s k a r

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Isk

Iskar ('iss-kar)-

1) n. a river, originating in the Rila Mountains of southwest Bulgaria; the second longest river in the Balkan Peninsula, running 370 km (230)mi.

2) adj. an Arabic word signifying a state of drunkenness or intoxication.

3) n. a musical group (featuring Jerry Sabatini on trumpet, Phil Sargent on guitar, Greg Loughman on bass, and Mike Connors on drums) that channels elements of jazz, Balkan music, electronica, and progressive rock into a modern free jazz jam band format.

Hello, and thanks for visiting us here at iskarmusic.com. To hear samples from or to purchase our current CD, check out our Music page. To find out where we'll be appearing next, take a look at our Schedule. If you would like to join our mailing list, or to book the band, feel free to Contact us. For more pictures, bios, or to learn more about the group, please see our Electronic Press Kit. Thanks for visiting our site, and we hope to see you at our next performance.

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"Jazz has always been an incredibly malleable art form, able to absorb other genres from Latin to pop. Iskar continues that tradition, encompassing free-form jamming, progressive rock, and Balkan music to create a sound that is undeniably jazz. The quartet, with trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums, is more challenging, and more satisfying, than many of the overly smooth easy-listening bands in the mainstream."

Nick A. Zaino III, Boston Globe

"A quartet that plays sophisticated, multi-meter music with a skill and grace that is most impressive... Iskar has forged its own unique voice with emphasis on elegant melodic lines and superb musical communication.  Their original music is not to be missed!"

 Mike Annicchiarico

Professor of Composition, University of New Hampshire.

"The musicians in Iskar presented a concert and workshop that were true highlights of our academic year... simultaneously entertaining and at the highest artistic level."

Richard Nelson

Professor of Music, University of Maine at Augusta