JP3 – On the way, Bulgaria
Jivko Petrov – piano
Dimitar Karamfilov – double bass
Dimitar Semov – drums
In 2007 the famous Bulgarian jazz pianist Jivko Petrov established JP3 – Jivko Petrov trio, joining forces with Dimitar Semov (drums) and Vesselin Vesselinov “Eko” (bass). The same year the trio released their debut album – the DVD recording Understandable. The trio soon became one of the most recognised jazz formations in Bulgaria. JP3 opened for Chick Corea/Bela Fleck and through the years have taken crucial part in many of the most successful pop and jazz projects in Bulgaria. The trio has performed alongside international artists such as Sarah Brightman, Zucchero, Omar Faruk.
Their second studio album It’s a Dream, with the world famous violinist Vasko Vassilev, came out in 2012. It was highly acclaimed and was Eastern Europe’s best selling digital jazz album. JP3 was invited to take part in London Jazz Fest 2012, then a very successful tour in Canada followed, as well as the second studio album Between the worlds (2015). In 2020 Dimitar Karamfilov joined the trio as a bass player and JP3 released Change the Way. The trio has many live performances in clubs, festivals all around the world. In Bansko, JP3 will present their fifth album On the Way released in 2020.
Jivko Petrov is one of the most influential contemporary Bulgarian musicians. He is a pianist, composer, arranger and producer. Throughout the years he has received many awards. He has recorded and toured with many Bulgarian artists such as Lili Ivanova, Yildiz Ibrahimova, Kamelia Todorova, Beloslava, Maria Ilieva, Hilda Kazasyan, Theodosii Spassov, Lubo Kirov as well as international artists including Chico Freeman, Francesco Bearzatti, Natalie The Floacist and Natalie Cole (Milan/ Piazza Duomo – Christmas Concert, 2008). Together with another jazz pianist, Angel Zaberski they created the extremely successful project Jazz Surprise. As a piano duo, they turn classical pieces and themes into jazz standards. Subsequently, another project followed – The Four Pianists. In 2015 Jivko Petrov presented his first solo album After 4 with 10 original classical compositions in it. Four years later, in 2019, he presented his second solo piano album Ten.
Dimitar Karamfilov is one of the most sought-after concert and studio upright bass players in Bulgaria. He has been playing with the most prominent musicians in the country, as well as with many internationally recognized artists. such as Tom Harrel, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzon, Mario Stantchev, Antoni Donchev, Theodosii Spassov, Rick Margitza to name a few. He is currently touring with the popular American band Pink Martini all over the world.
From 2014 to 2018, he taught upright bass at the National Academy of Music in Sofia.
As an artist, he regularly participates in every major jazz festival in Bulgaria, as well as in many prestigious international music forums. In 2018 Dimitar Karamfilov presented his original debut project named Ecology provoking himself and his music fans to strive for purity in their thoughts, actions and nutrition and of course live an environmentally-friendly life. In 2021 his second album Turn to Love was released.
Dimitar Semov is among the most in-demand jazz drummers in Bulgaria. His versatility made him part of the musical projects of the leading Bulgarian pop singers such as Lili Ivanova, Orlin Goranov, Beloslava, Maria Ilieva, bands like Ostava, PIF, Sunrise, Ken Hensley and even crossover concerts like the ones with the world-famous violinist Vasko Vassilev. In the jazz world, Dimitar Semov has played live or recorded with Milcho Leviev, Antoni Dontchev, Mario Stanchev, Vassil Petrov, Miroslava Katzarova, and more. As a member of the Jivko Petrov’s trio (JPS), Dimitar Semov has participated in a number of collaborations with preeminent musicians – Sarah Brightman, Omar Faruk, Zucchero etc. Audiences at certain notable forums have seen him performing with Frank McComb, Glenn Ferris, George Garzone, Charles Papasoff. Dimitar Semov toured with The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices and Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance presenting Peter Doundakov’s album “Boochemish” all over Europe.
over Europe.