Mario Grigorov

In 1992 Mario Grigorov arrived in the United States and, three days later, was sampling instruments inside a piano shop when Bob James entered, expressed strong approval, and quickly placed him on the Reprise roster. Extensive classical studies in Bulgaria, Iran, East Germany, and Austria had preceded that meeting. After his family settled in Australia, Grigorov’s attention turned more and more toward jazz and rock. He ran a flourishing composing and recording firm that supplied abundant scores for film and television, yet artistic dissatisfaction remained. Once in the U.S. he again met James, cut the album Rhymes With Orange for Reprise, and set out on tour. Virtuoso technique allows Mario Grigorov to weave complex though generally melodic improvisations that clearly reflect both his classical schooling and Bulgarian origins.