I was fortunate enough to hear Daniel perform with trio composed of members of his main project, Kanpai, at a packed music event in London this past weekend. I was positively impressed – the moment his fingertips touched the piano keys I knew I was on to something special. After opening with a rendition of Alfa Mist’s tune Brian – first understated but gradually building into a ‘four-on-the-floor’ high-energy funk – the set featured original music from Kanpai, as well as numbers from the 70s jazz fusion repertoire and standards.

With Fraser Buckley’s busy but tasteful and creative drumming and Charlie Searle’s energetic bass lines, Daniel was able to apply his unique improvisational style to the Kanpai originals. The compositions, which I had not heard before, effectively showcased each musician’s creative strengths. While clearly influenced by developments on the London scene, they have their own distinct sound that draws both from jazz fusion and funk on one hand as well as so-called ‘library music’ and dub on the other, all while fusing memorable melodies with driving grooves.

Another highlight was the trio’s rendition of Mr Clean by Freddie Hubbard, a unique interpretation of the tune – played at a much higher tempo than the original and with an Afrobeat groove underneath, featuring Kabakov playing the melody hands unison and an explosive drum solo in the middle. Following this, Daniel played a solo version of All the Things You Are, a staple in any jazz musician’s repertoire, but here improvised over in a unique way, with the use of stride piano technique, syncopated rhythms, and dissonance.

Jazz pianists often use improvisation as a powerful stylistic tool. Their ability to create distinctive and expressive melodies on the spot is a hallmark of their skill. True mastery of jazz piano requires not only learning the intricate standard ‘licks’ but also the ability to execute them flawlessly and apply them creatively.
Daniel has definitely mastered this art. His distinctive style has captured my imagination. With roots in classical music, his personal approach to jazz piano feels both traditional and forward thinking at once. He seems to be reinventing jazz standards bringing the ‘contemporary’ into piano jazz music. Of course, there is no shortage of jazz piano players and musicians contributing to the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz, and certainly there were other excellent musicians that evening, but still, Daniel stands out among them.

Born in Russia, Kabakov’s musical journey began in Canada, where he honed his skills at Toronto’s Humber College under the guidance of renowned musicians like Steve Grossman, Pat LaBarbera, and Lorne Loftsky. Additionally, he spent five years under the tutelage of Brian Rudolf, one of Canada’s leading pianists and educators.

His move to the UK provided him with new opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of artists and immerse himself in the thriving London music scene. One of Kabakov’s most notable qualities is his ability to seamlessly blend classical and contemporary jazz elements with different musical styles. His performances often incorporate elements of jazz fusion, Afrobeat, and contemporary pop, creating a fresh and exciting sound. This versatility has allowed him to collaborate with a wide range of artists, from established musicians to emerging talents.

In addition to his performing abilities, Kabakov is also a dedicated educator. He regularly teaches private lessons and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation of jazz musicians.

Currently, Daniel is a busy musician. He performs solo, teaches privately, and collaborates with various London-based projects. His work includes Kanpai Quartet, a jazz fusion ensemble, Olubundi, an Afrofunk act, Grace Monaco, an electro-pop songwriter and producer, and Angael, an alt-pop artist. He is also a regular at London’s most renowned jam sessions, such as Orii Jam, Upstairs at the Ritzy, the Jago, and Troy Bar.

Daniel will next be performing with Kanpai on October 20th at Jazztrain, a well-known venue in Shoreditch, London – the day after the group is scheduled to record new material at Abbey Road studios. Watch him, as he continues to rise on the London jazz scene, because he’s going to shine bright. His extensive repertoire, recognisable sound, and dedication to the craft make him a must-see for any jazz enthusiast. I can’t wait to hear where he takes us next.