Mikan Zlatković – Recipient of the Nišville Lifetime Achievement Award
This year's recipient of the Nišville Jazz Festival Lifetime Achievement Award is the pianist and composer Milivoje Mikan Zlatković. Known for his virtuosic technique and "fiery" improvisational style, Zlatković has lived and worked in California for decades. Throughout his career, he has performed with numerous jazz icons, including Tony Scott, Clifford Jordan, Chet Baker, Ernie Wilkins, Ralph Penland, Anthony Wilson, Willie Jones III, Charles McPherson, Louis Hayes, Gilbert Castellanos, Allison Adams-Tucker, Bob Magnusson, Rob Thorsen, and Jamie Shadowlight. Mikan and his ensemble will perform on the opening night of Nišville, Thursday, August 13th.
Born in Priština in 1962, Mikan was a musical child prodigy. He began playing the piano at the age of seven. Under the guidance of his father, a local jazz guitarist, and through an extensive collection of records, he matured under the influence of legends such as Thelonious Monk, Wes Montgomery, McCoy Tyner, Joe Pass, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, and Oscar Peterson. Largely self-taught in the genre of jazz, he developed his skills by transcribing records by ear—a process he started with his father using a tape recorder to slow down the complex solos of masters like Oscar Peterson and Thelonious Monk. He launched his professional jazz career as a teenager, and his immense talent was quickly recognized by elite musicians, audiences, and critics alike. During the 1980s, he became a central figure in the vibrant Yugoslav jazz scene, performing with the RTS Big Band and ensembles such as the Marković-Gut Sextet. In the early 1990s, seeking greater musical challenges, he moved to New York before relocating ten years later to San Diego, where he remains one of the most sought-after pianists today.
Whether on the acoustic piano or synthesizer, Mikan creates impressive, energetic soundscapes driven by fearless improvisation and refined musical instincts. His work spans a wide range, from large orchestras and ensembles to the intimate settings of small bands.
He is often described as a "drummer’s pianist," noted for his percussive and rhythmic approach to the instrument. He frequently cites Ahmad Jamal as a major inspiration, particularly for Jamal’s ability to transcend traditional musical frameworks.
While deeply rooted in modern jazz, Zlatković often weaves elements of R&B, funk, and Bossa Nova, as well as classics from the "Great American Songbook," into his performances.
On piano or synthesizer, Mikan’s fiery performances continue to delight and excite audiences. He connects jazz lovers across a variety of settings—from concert halls to small clubs. His musical chemistry and exceptional skills captivate audiences, offering an exciting and unforgettable jazz experience.
Mikan is a natural-born ambassador of jazz. Always stylish and musically dignified, he communicates with his audience and fellow musicians with great passion and professional integrity. He possesses a deep understanding of music's power to transcend linguistic, racial, and cultural barriers, successfully creating a common ground where people of all ages and backgrounds can share in the magic of jazz.