The release of trumpeter-singer Ilya Serov’s “Colors” album, a ten-song set of original soul-jazz vocal tunes, R&B grooves, and Brazilian jazz instrumentals, signified artistic and personal growth for the artist. It’s his first album on which he had a hand in writing the entire album instead of reimaging standards from the Great American Songbook as he did on his first three albums. When he began working on “Colors,” Serov became a father for the first time, an event that spurred life-altering change in his life as well as his recording process. And now, music from “Colors” is up for GRAMMY® Awards consideration in two categories, which is another monumental first for Serov.
“Colors” is up for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in the current GRAMMY® cycle. Serov describes the album as “a tapestry, fusion of musical genres, blend of cultures and backgrounds, friendships and so much more.” He wrote and produced three tracks on the album and brought in two-time GRAMMY® winner Paul Brown, multiple GRAMMY® nominee Darren Rahn, and 16-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley to produce and cowrite the rest of the songbook. In addition to his own spotlit trumpet, flugelhorn, and jazzohorn work (the latter being an innovative instrument that he co-invented) that fills the recording with soulful melodies, harmonic shades, and inspired improvisations, Serov duets with saxophonist Jeff Ryan and British keyboardist Oli Silk.
“Having my music up for GRAMMY® consideration is an extremely exciting and kind of a vulnerable moment for me. I have thought of submitting my music and becoming a voting member of The Recording Academy for many years, but somehow felt like I wasn’t ready yet. Because ‘Colors’ consists of all original music and songs I wrote or cowrote, I have more of a personal connection to the music and that gives me much more confidence. The new album is definitely my best work yet,” said Serov.
One of the standout tracks on “Colors” is “A Day In Rio,” which is under award consideration for Best Jazz Performance. The song indulges Serov’s passion for Brazilian music and features authentic Brazilian musicians along with GRAMMY-winning bassist Hussain Jiffry (Sergio Mendes, Herb Alpert).
“I have always been a huge fan of Brazilian music. Samba and bossa nova are my obsessions. I have been to Brazil a few times and every time I went, I wanted to write something using Brazilian beats and instrumentation. A few years ago, I spoke to Hussain Jiffry, who played with Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66, about collaborating. The stars aligned and ‘A Day In Rio’ was created. I had a blast producing this track and building it piece by piece with the most amazing Brazilian players,” enthused Serov.
“Colors” has already spawned three singles, the latest of which is “Sea Breeze,” featuring Serov and Ryan engaging in horn banter on the Hawley-produced cut.
“Jeff (Ryan) is an incredible saxophonist who has one of the best tones and energy. I am so happy my dear friend was able to join me on this track,” said the Austin, Texas-based Serov, who was born in Russia and lived in Los Angeles for fifteen years.
Serov will join multi-time GRAMMY® nominated pianist Keiko Matsui for a Christmas concert on December 8 in Altamonte Springs, Florida and will be the special guest of six-time GRAMMY® nominated saxophonist Eric Marienthal on December 16 for a show at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles. Serov hopes to be a first-time GRAMMY® nominee when those concerts take place.
“So many of my colleagues that I admire so much are members of The Recording Academy and being a part of this community of incredibly talented musicians, songwriters, and producers would mean a lot to me. It would be incredible to be nominated, but just to have my music heard by some of my musical heroes and peers is already a tremendous honor.”
For more information, visit https://www.ilyaserov.com.
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