Articles by Konstantin N. Rega
Ona: 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 ...
Continue ReadingIron Blossom Festival 2025: Jazzy Enough?
by Konstantin N. Rega
Iron Blossom Festival Midtown Green Richmond, VA September 20-21, 2025 A quick look at Richmond's relatively new Iron Blossom Festival lineup might give some jazz fans pause. With headliners like Vampire Weekend and The Lumineers, the festival looks to be serving up more indie pop-rock selections for younger audiences to consume. Such hasty or dismissive judgment might serve jazz purists just fine, but for those listeners looking for more fusion, sonic flavors and blends, the ...
Continue ReadingDanny Widdicombe & Trichotomy: Iridescence
by Konstantin N. 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 N. 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 N. 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. ...
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