Record Reviews

AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE ~ HONEY FROM A WINTER STONE NONESUCH 075597905984 (Barcode: 075597905984) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2025 This is an album by American Jazz trumpeter / composer Ambrose AkinmusireFind albums by this artist, recorded with vocalist KokayiFind albums by this artist, pianist Sam HarrisFind albums by this artist, synthesizer player ChiquitamagicFind albums by this artist, drummer Justin BrownFind albums by this artist and the MivosFind albums by this artist string quartet. The album presents five tracks, all composed by Akinmusire, with text by Akinmusire on one track and freestyle texts on four tracks by Kokayi. The final track lasts for almost half an hour. Akinmusire is obviously a gifted trumpet player, but since the moment he arrived on the scene he seems to be searching relentlessly, without deciding which idiom suits his musical desires. Searching is of course a most desirable quality, but when it borders on hectic indecision, the entire process makes the artist to become rather chaotic, in the eyes / ears of his listeners. The ambitious music on this album moves between almost Avant-Garde Jazz-Classical Fusion, Jazz-Rap Fusion and minimalistic Jazz. Although seemingly impressive, I find the album boring and repetitive as a whole, although it has its moments. It seems Akinmusire simply tries too hard, rather than settling down and deciding what kind of music suits his ambitions and abilities best? Overall, although I love ambitious and non-trivial music more than anything, it seems that Akinmusire just overstepped his abilities and in his desire to present some truly magnificent music, simply missed his purpose, which results in unnecessary complex, repetitive and eventually somewhat boring outcome.

Updated: 15/09/2026Posted: 15/09/2026

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TIGRAN HAMASYAN ~ STANDART NONESUCH 075597911473 (Barcode: 075597911473) ~ ARMENIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the 10th studio album by Armenian pianist / composer Tigran HamasyanFind albums by this artist, recorded mostly in a piano trio setting with American bassist Matt BrewerFind albums by this artist and drummer Justin BrownFind albums by this artist, and guest soloists like saxophonists Mark TurnerFind albums by this artist and Joshua RedmanFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Ambrose AkinmusireFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, one of which is an original composition by the performing musicians and eight are Hamasyan’s interpretations of standards. The sound recording quality is brilliant. This is the first album, which features Hamasyan playing Jazz standards, as on all his earlier albums he performed exclusively his original compositions, which are strongly influenced / dominated by the Armenian music tradition. The readings of the standards present on this album are among the most original and diverse versions I have ever come across over the years, which should leave even the most experience Jazz fans open-mouthed, to say the least. Hamasyan is undoubtedly one of the most interesting Jazz pianists today and considering the fact that he is under forty years old means that he surely has much to offer in the future. His technique is brilliant, his rhythmic feels is out-worldly and his touch on the keyboards is absolutely unique. Of course the rhythm section and the guests are also superb. Overall, this is a stunning (mostly) Jazz piano trio album, which deserves an honorary place in every decent music collection and offers many repeated listening sessions, gradually revealing the true depth of the music. Beyond recommendation!

Updated: 03/07/2026Posted: 03/07/2026

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