Articles by Konstantin Rega
Danny Widdicombe & Trichotomy: Iridescence
by Konstantin Rega
Insightful collaboration is at the heart of amazing jazz. Australian group Trichotomy joins with singer-songwriter Danny Widdicombe on Iridescence with conviction and conscientiousness. Jazz infused with roots and folk music makes this release something somewhat rare, featuring a variety of songs, from pure instrumentals to vocal tracks; these two artists achieve an amiable and inspired balance. There is a tender warmth, heartfelt devotion, and retro attitude that propels the ten originals. From the first track, it might seem ...
Continue ReadingSvetlana: Reel to Remix: Night at the Movies Reimagined
by Konstantin Rega
Russian-born, New York-based singer Svetlana finds inspiration by being playful during post-production on Reel to Remix: Night at the Movies Reimagined. Taking six tracks from her 2019 release, Night at the Movies (Starr Records), the singer reconfigures her original takes, spicing things up. Though some might say that this style of remixing can seem gimmicky or overworked, Svetlana is fresh in her approach and the ways the songs move away from where they once were. “Pure Imagination" is ...
Continue ReadingKristina Koller: Walk on By
by Konstantin Rega
How to tackle a project of cover songs? Well, singer Kristina Koller tells us on her fourth release, Walk on By, a tribute to composing legend Burt Bacharach. With the assistance of pianist and Rhodes player Fima Chupakhin, bassist James Robbins, drummer Cory Cox and some vocal backups, the group meshes with ease, offering toothsome tunes. Koller does not go in for the Karen Carpenter type of silkiness. No, she is a little soulful; rough yet mellow in her vocals. ...
Continue ReadingStefano Tanzi: Wrong Together
by Konstantin Rega
Stefano Tanzi is an up-and-coming Italian guitarist with a knack for smooth playing. His debut as leader, Wrong Together, is essentially a tribute to jazz legend Steve Swallow, but it also communicates so much more. With the assistance of Emanuele di Teodoro on bass and Fabio Colella on drums, the trio works with sleek skill. The music is gentle, the tunes are delicate, and yet the sound does not slip away unnoticed. Tanzi moves with grace but remembers to give ...
Continue ReadingTakuya Kuroda: Everyday
by Konstantin Rega
Kobe-born, Brooklyn-based trumpeter Takuya Kuroda continues to find his groove and expressive essence on Everyday. Through his inspired amalgamation of jazz, funk, hip-hop and neo-soul, this release exhibits an ability to think beyond the boring and basic, to see what lies ahead. These nine energized but balanced compositions are further heightened by various talented musicians including Corey King, pianist Takahiro Izumikawa, bassist Rashaan Carter, drummer David Frazier and others. With almost 30 years of musical experience, Kuroda knows ...
Continue ReadingKonstantin Rega's Best Jazz Albums Of 2024
by Konstantin Rega
Every year is a good year for jazz. With homages to more traditional styles as well as exciting innovations that push musical boundaries, there's never a dull moment. 2024 kept the good vibes flowing; it was a superb year for playful interpretations, various musical fusions and sophisticated performances. Bloom Bill Laurance ACT Music Let's Walk Madeleine Peyroux Just One ...
Continue ReadingRasmus Sørensen: At The Right Time
by Konstantin Rega
Danish-born, New York-based pianist Rasmus Sørensen finds melody as well as fluidity in At The Right Time. This rising jazz star stands alongside other young musicians like Joey Alexander and Fergus McCreadie, exhibiting his ability to craft pieces that have a generous listenability matched by a sophisticated musicality in more freestyle sections. With this release, Sørensen showcases 12 diverse and original compositions with the talented help of Jon Henriksson on double bass and Francesco Ciniglio on drums. Unlike ...
Continue ReadingMyra Brownbridge: The Voyage Out
by Konstantin Rega
First albums are not the end-all-be-all, but they certainly count for something. London bassist Myra Brownbridge crafts a strong debut that shows a younger musician with spirit and intuition. The Voyage Out delivers softer melodies that still have a groove to them. With guitarist Tom Ollendorff, George Garford on alto sax and Matthew Holmes on drums, the quartet plays together with ease. Striking the right balance between instrumental solos, providing a clear tune to follow and a variety in compositional ...
Continue ReadingTord Gustavsen Trio: Seeing
by Konstantin Rega
It is difficult to create a big or stirring sound with a small group of musicians. However, Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen and his trio offer an expansive, sophisticated and diverse sound on their album Seeing. With its meditative qualities, the album follows in the footsteps of the trio's previous releases, such as The Other Side (ECM, 2018) and Changing Places (ECM, 2003). However, it also broadens the group's sonic character in subtle but impactful ways. A wonderful blend of original ...
Continue ReadingAlice Zawadzki, Fred Thomas, Misha Mullov-Abbado: Za Górami
by Konstantin Rega
Jazz is all about moving forward and finding new ways to make music that touches hearts and minds. Here London-based vocalist and violinist Alice Zawadzki teams up with pianist and drummer Fred Thomas and double bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado on a stylish and folk-tinged jazz album. Za Górami incorporates folk songs, chamber music and improvisational jazz styles to meld a mesmerizing sound. The trio works hard and succeeds in the balancing act of offering a tune and providing more free-flowing passages. ...
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