Sasha Mashin | HAPPY RUN

Sasha Mashin - Happy Run
Sasha Mashin's new and first Italian album, titled "Happy Run," features two extraordinary artists, saxophonist Rosario Giuliani and double bassist Makar Novikov.
 
Mashin, a Russian drummer, chose Italy and Rome as his place of residence in the last two years after the start of the conflict that involved his home country. Sasha Mashin lived in Moscow, where he played a leading role in the city's cultural and musical scene. Two activities in particular occupied much of his time: "Sasha Mashin Happy Lab," which took place once a week at Moscow's main jazz club, and "Sasha Mashin Happy Run," where friends would meet to run 10 kilometers and chat once a week. The idea behind the music lab was to break down the barrier between the audience and the stage, promoting informal communication, concerts, and the exchange of ideas. In a short time, the lab became a regular appointment for listening to great music and a meeting place for creatives who shared ideas and started new projects. Similarly, the amateur sporting event became popular, with many of the same participants as the "Happy Lab." The rules were simple: as long as you run, you can learn whatever you want, not only from the creator of the event, Mashin himself, but also from all the musicians or people involved in the 10-kilometer run, who came from different professional backgrounds. The outbreak of war profoundly changed dynamics, not only on an international scale but also, and above all, in the lives of individuals. Sasha Mashin continued to "run," not only metaphorically. Having arrived in Italy as a political refugee, he found new friends, exceptional musicians who welcomed him both as a person and as an artist. Today, the Russian drummer feels he can call Rome his "home" and his newfound and old friends "his family."
"I have the feeling of having finally finished my run," explains Sasha Mashin in the liner notes of his album, "for the first time in a long time, I feel truly happy. While the idea of ​​emigration once filled me with existential terror, I don't even feel like I've moved away from home. Italians are so open, friendly, and supportive that it seems to me that I have completed a marathon and reached the finish line. I'm home." The songs on the album "Happy Run" are composed by Sasha Mashin himself. "Country of Obscurantism" suggests that it doesn't necessarily have to be beautiful, which helps the artist share it with a lighter heart. "I promise I will continue with my attempts and maybe one day I will write something more beautiful with a more joyful undertone." The album includes the beautiful composition "Yellow Blues" by Makar Novikov, the magnificent three-part "Suite et Poursuite" by Rosario Giuliani, the ballad "Darn That Dream" by Jimmy Van Heusen, and even a piece from "The Rite of Spring" by the artist's most beloved composer, Igor Stravinsky ("Introduction, Les Augures printaniers"), combined with Victor Lewis' composition "Hey, It's Me You Are Talkin' To" (music that the artist is convinced was inspired by Stravinsky himself). "One of the most beautiful experiences related to running," says Sasha, "is the ability to think and plan while running. In these moments, the brain's chemistry changes significantly, producing more serotonin and dopamine, and you can think more clearly and precisely. Through regular running, I have understood one important thing: you cannot escape from yourself. But you can escape from darkness, both inside and outside of you. Running is a smart sport. Run happy!"
"Happy Run" is an album that not only talks about music but also tells a story. It is a metaphorical "run" that allowed the artist to move away from the darkness of a difficult past and brought him to Italy for a new life, in his new home!