The pianist and composer Salman Gambarov is one of the best known and multifaceted jazz musicians from Azerbaijan. After training as a classical pianist and studying composition at the National Conservatory in Baku, Gambarov initially worked as a pianist at the Azerbaijan National Theatre of Music. His increasing interest in jazz resulted in numerous musical experiments and in 1996 led to the formation of Bakustic Jazz - an ensemble which regularly performs at international jazz festivals. And it is the oriental musical ornaments that contribute to the unique sound of Baku Jazz.
The compositions and interpretations are particularly captivating with their blend of post-bop and ethno-jazz, fusing traditional Azerbaijani sounds with western musical influences. In his compositions and interpretations, he incorporates the rich musical traditions of his home country, and traditional instruments are of course never overlooked.
