Mandala is the second studio album by Serbian saxophonist and composer Rastko Obradović as a bandleader, following the internationally recognized The Northern Experience (2019). Released on A.MA Records, the album represents a further evolution of Obradović’s artistic voice, combining his experience as an improviser, composer, and collaborator with a deep exploration of diverse musical traditions.

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Featuring his quartet with Vladan Veljković (piano/bass synth), Aleksandar Petrović (guitar), and Nikola Banović (drums), Mandala is built around eight original compositions that explore the connections between contemporary jazz, Balkan heritage, European improvisational traditions, and global musical influences.

 

Inspired by the mandala as a symbol of unity, balance, and interconnectedness, the album reflects Belgrade’s identity as a meeting point of cultures while presenting a distinctly personal musical language. Through intricate compositions, lyrical improvisation, and the quartet’s strong sense of interaction, Mandala captures a journey of discovery, connection, and collective expression.

 

After the international attention received by The Northern Experience, Mandala marks a new chapter in Obradović’s development — one that further establishes him as a distinctive voice in contemporary European jazz.