Jazz Panorama III: A Big Band Blast from Bulgaria’s Past
If you’re into jazz with a big band punch, Jazz Panorama III by Various is one to check out. Released in 1976 on the Bulgarian label Балкантон (Balkanton), this album delivers that rich, brassy sound we all love about big band jazz—but with a twist. It’s not your typical American-style swing; there’s something uniquely Eastern European about it, like they took the genre and gave it a little Balkan spice.
Two tracks stand out for me: “Joyce’s Samba” and “Cotton Tail.” “Joyce’s Samba” has this laid-back groove that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it feels simple enough—just another samba tune—but then those horns kick in with these unexpected harmonies that make you sit up straight. You can almost picture some smoky club in Sofia back in the '70s, people swaying under dim lights. And the rhythm section? Tight as hell. They don’t overplay it, which makes the whole thing feel effortless yet totally magnetic.
Then there’s “Cotton Tail,” a classic Duke Ellington number that gets a fresh coat of paint here. The arrangement is sharp, with the saxophones trading riffs so fast it’s like watching a tennis match. What sticks with me most is how playful it feels. There’s no pretense, no trying too hard—it’s just musicians having fun and letting loose. That energy jumps right through the speakers and grabs you by the collar.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too. Tracks like “Ironside” and “Tribute To Bach And Ch.Parker” showcase the range of styles packed into this record. One moment you’re vibing to a cinematic theme, the next you’re diving headfirst into bebop territory. It’s wild how much ground they cover without ever losing that cohesive big band vibe.
What’s cool about Jazz Panorama III is how unapologetically Bulgarian it feels while still honoring the roots of jazz. Sure, the production might sound a bit dated now (it is from 1976 after all), but that only adds to its charm. Listening to it feels like uncovering a hidden gem—a piece of history that reminds us jazz wasn’t just an American phenomenon. People everywhere were putting their own spin on it, and Bulgaria had something special to say.
So yeah, if you stumble across this album at a flea market or buried deep in Spotify’s archives, give it a shot. Just don’t blame me if “Joyce’s Samba” gets stuck in your head for days. Oh, and here’s a random thought: I bet whoever designed the cover art for this was really into geometric shapes. Those ‘70s aesthetics are iconic!
