JUST FRIENDS album is dedicated to one of America’s most iconic jazz trumpet players and singers, Chet Baker. I titled the album Just Friends after a classic jazz standard of the same name that Chet included in his own repertoire. His rendition of it inspired me when I was a young musician, and pushed me to start finding my own voice in the world of jazz. As my composition and playing styles matured over the years, I began to wonder what Chet, with his musical genius, would sound like if he was a contemporary jazz artist today. 
 
That's how the idea behind my latest album was born. I have tried to show the connection between several generations of jazz, reimagining Chet’s most recognizable songs from the Great American Songbook with my renditions. I've also included a few of my own original, contemporary tunes, created from that same inspiration. And to add further to the evolutionary mix, this album is also a debut for my new, custom-built, one-of-a-kind instrument I call the "Jazzohorn." I hope you appreciate its smooth tone and unique look!  
All in all, I’m convinced that the world of jazz is alive and well, and ever evolving. Thank you for being a part of my artistic journey!
 
ILYA SEROV