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Music has always been an affair of the heart to Rain Sultanov. But even for him, Influence carries a particularly deep meaning. On Mugham - Megham and his expansive Anthology of Jazz in Azerbaijan, the Baku-born saxophonist explored the musical roots of his home country. His new solo album now traces his personal footsteps to their creative sources. On seven epic ballads, Sultanov pays homage to the musicians that have shaped his style. Over the years, some of them have turned into companions. Others will forever remain ''virtual friends''. But all of them have one thing in common: They contributed towards making him the musician he is today.

The concept for Influence had been on Sultanov's mind for years. On his long journey, his inspirations, role models and teachers have changed repeatedly. But he never lost his heartfelt gratitude towards those whose music once touched him. First, there were the records by Michael Brecker, which his brothers in Azerbaijan would bring home. As a young boy, Sultanov would study Brecker's licks for days, transcribe them and make them his own. Then, there were gigs with English trumpet player Kenny Wheeler, which left an indelible impression. Last but not least, there were the encounters with the great Joe Zawinul at the Baku Jazz Festival, which left Zawinul impressed and Sultanov inspired.

Only very rarely do these compositions bear any resemblance to the style of the dedicatees. That, however, was never the idea anyway, as Sultanov explains: ''My intention was never to play music which was similar to my musical heroes. I didn't even try to write something they might have liked. I simply wanted these pieces to be tributes to those who provided me with new insights, new love, new emotions. Even though I have today long found my own style of playing, I'll never stop listening to them. And I will always keep their thoughts in mind.''

Track Listing

Sales Points

• 180 Gram Pressing, Audiophile Vinyl, Pure analogue Sound, High End Vinyl Mastering, Limited Edition