Articles by Konstantin N. Rega
Daniel Bennett: The Deconstructed Songbook
by Konstantin N. Rega
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Daniel Bennett takes on a list of covers for his project The Deconstructed Songbook with surprising results. Joined by drummer Koko Bermejo, Jason Yeager on piano, guitarist Nat Janoff and Jeff Dingler on electric bass, the group feels well-rounded. Though Bennett allows himself one original tune near the beginning, it does not feel out of place beside tracks by Horace Silver or Lennon-McCartney. For fans of Joni Mitchell who like the song “Both Sides Now" (even if Judy Collins' version ...
Continue ReadingEmie R. Roussel: TERR
by Konstantin N. Rega
Even after 15 years of creative synergy, the Montréal-based Emie R Roussel Trio continues to flex its creative muscles with sensitivity and sophistication. TERR seems to center around the common themes of togetherness and community, of what humanity shares and the spaces we co-inhabit. Emie R. Roussel on piano and keyboards with Nicolas Bédard on electric bass and Dominic Cloutier on drums. The trio balances interesting rhythms, piano riffs and airy atmospheres. Though the first track is more conservative in ...
Continue ReadingSebastian Jakobsen Testa: Reverence
by Konstantin N. Rega
Not every pianist wants to make a lot of noise. Sebastian Jakobsen Testa's Reverence is more a meditation than a jamboree. In the minimalist vein, these six tracks still have much to offer. There is a sleekness as well as a gauzy quality. The use of space between the chords and runs helps draw in the listener's attention. These are not simply background pieces; they are meant to be thoughtfully approached and listened to. In the Windham Hill ...
Continue ReadingJon Henriksson: Shapeshifter
by Konstantin N. Rega
Without the bassist, who would keep the band together? Well, Stockholm-based bassist Jon Henriksson keeps his group in line while still allowing for a fluid sound on Shapeshifter . Furthering the smooth turns turning up in Scandinavian jazz, the musician is softer in tone but nonetheless exciting. Of course, the album would not be half as good without a great team: including pianist Rasmus Sørensen, Jonas Backman on drums, saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist, as well as guitarist Pelle von Bülow and trombonist Rasmus Holm on ...
Continue ReadingOna: Traces of Brazil Voices of Toronto
by Konstantin N. Rega
Jazz-classical crossovers are not so unique, but they can still mesmerize with their fluidity and breadth of sound. Traces of Brazil, Voices of Toronto by the Ona Ensemble is a short yet robust selection of tunes. Their style of Brazilian chamber jazz is not in your face; rather, it sits back and lets the listener glide in and unwind. “Oná" is a Yoruba word meaning “New Path," and the blend that the group has created shows this with aplomb. ...
Continue ReadingNiklas Lukassen: Still Waters
by Konstantin N. Rega
Multi-instrumentalist Niklas Lukassen spins a pleasant mix of tunes on Still Waters. Joined by a stellar team, including saxophonist Ben van Gelder, pianist Kit Downes and drummer Francesco Ciniglio (as well as several others spotted throughout), the quartet moves with the ease of skilled swimmers through the music. An internationally influenced album, the music reflects his own life experiences of traveling through Europe as well as studying under bassist Ron Carter at the Manhattan School of Music. Now teaching in London, the musician still makes ...
Continue ReadingKonstantin Rega's Best Jazz Albums Of 2025
by Konstantin N. Rega
Even as the world seems to spin faster and faster, jazz has got your back. With albums responding to the current musical dialogue as well as those looking back to the past, 2025 offered a wonderful assortment of delicious earworms. It was a year of tasteful tunes, imaginative expressionistic freestyling, and generous arrangements of time-favoured oldies. Italia Till Bronner earMUSIC Oh Snap
Continue ReadingMartin Nodeland: Tributaries
by Konstantin N. Rega
Martin Nodeland is coming into his own with smooth compositions drawing on contemporaries as well as self-exploration on Tributaries. The Norwegian guitarist crafts a tightly woven sound that keeps the album together without succumbing to lethargy. Joined by Will Vinson on alto sax, pianist Martin Sandvik Gjerde, bassist Alexander Hoholm, Raymond Lavik on drums and tenor saxophonist Erlend Vangen Kongtorp, Nodeland makes collaboration look easy. The release features eight originals with some catchy melodies luring the listener in here and ...
Continue ReadingNancy Walker: Deeper Down
by Konstantin N. Rega
Award-winning Canadian pianist Nancy Walker finds musical camaraderie and a gentle sway on Deeper Down. Clearly a labor of love, the tracks glide by almost effortlessly. Walker's quartet includes saxophonist Tara Davidson, bassist Lauren Falls and Ethan Ardelli on drums. And it is their ability to synchronize and intuit one another that allows the music to blossom. Though they might not have a big sound, they have a steady one; it keeps the listener engaged while offering approachability matched with ...
Continue ReadingRolf Thofte: Martha's Dance
by Konstantin N. Rega
When musicians are inspired, it shows. Danish trumpeter Rolf Thofte deftly takes the reins of leadership on Martha's Dance. Dedicated to his daughter, the release has an accessible jazz style to it for a diverse audience. Though there is some free styling here and there, the tracks are well composed and keep the listener engaged. These seven compositions are further accentuated by some of Scandinavia's exceptionally talented musicians like Andreas Toftemark on tenor sax, pianist Rasmus Sørensen, Jakob Roland on ...
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