Borislav Petrov
A dynamic force in contemporary music, this Bulgarian-born drummer, composer, and educator has built a career at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Deeply rooted in the rich rhythmic language of Bulgarian folklore, he is a dedicated researcher and performer specializing in odd meters, folk-jazz fusion, and cross-genre jazz explorations.
His artistry spans an impressive range—jazz, ethno-jazz, fusion, big band, world music, electronica, rock, and singer-songwriter projects—reflecting a restless curiosity and versatility that have taken him to stages across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Whether leading his own folk-jazz ensemble or collaborating with international multimedia projects, he consistently pushes boundaries while staying grounded in the traditions of his homeland.
Educated in the Netherlands, he earned his bachelor’s degree in jazz performance under the mentorship of leading American drummers and continued with a master’s degree in Amsterdam, where his research focused on the essence and evolution of Bulgarian irregular meters. His work, “Long and Short Beats”, examines not only the historical development of folk drumming but also its modern applications, offering pathways for integrating Balkan rhythms into global contemporary music. His academic contributions include publications in respected journals on the future of Bulgarian rhythmic traditions.
Beyond the stage and classroom, he has produced innovative concert series that bring jazz history to life, curated educational programs, and appeared in numerous theater and television productions. As both performer and cultural ambassador, he has collaborated with musicians across continents, from world music ensembles to award-winning jazz orchestras, leaving a mark at prestigious festivals and legendary concert halls.
At the heart of his work lies a passion for rhythm—its cultural roots, its expressive power, and its ability to connect diverse musical worlds.
A little fantasy story about Borislav
Borislav Petrov was no ordinary drummer. Born in a small village tucked into the Rhodope Mountains, he grew up listening to the haunting sound of the kaval and the wild, swirling rhythms of Bulgarian folk dances. While other children clapped along to simple beats, Borislav was already counting in sevens, elevens, and thirteens, his fingers tapping against wooden tables in patterns that made his grandmother laugh.
As he grew older, Borislav carried his worn-out drum everywhere. In Sofia, while others studied jazz and rock, he dove deeper into the ancient odd meters of his homeland. The city musicians were baffled when he slipped effortlessly into a 13/16 rhythm, making it feel as natural as a heartbeat. “How do you even dance to this?” they asked. Borislav would only smile and reply, “You don’t dance with your feet first—you dance with your soul.”
One summer evening, he performed in an outdoor festival near the Black Sea. His drumbeats rolled like thunder, weaving together centuries-old folk rhythms with flashes of improvisation. The audience, a mix of villagers and travelers, clapped and stamped along, slowly realizing they had been pulled into the asymmetric pulse without even knowing it. When Borislav ended on a single resonant strike, there was a moment of silence—then an eruption of cheers that echoed against the night sky.
For Borislav Petrov, the joy was not in fame or applause. It was in the secret he carried: that odd rhythms could make strangers’ hearts beat as one.
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