Konstantin Rega

Richmond, United States

Contributing Writer at Spectrum Culture

Reviewer at Publishers Weekly

Digital Editor at Virginia Living

Contributing Writer at Treble Zine

Writer (MA @uealdc), contributor @AllAboutJazz, @SpectrumCulture, @treblezine, @VirginiaLiving.

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Articles

Vendredi sur Mer: Malabar Princess

1 week ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

Swiss musician Vendredi sur Mer (born Charline Mignot) returns with her third album, Malabar Princess. Still exhibiting an ’80s pop style that blends the soft and the energized, the release offers a more intimate look at the singer and her musical journey. The project evolved out of a writing residency in Montréal.
Kristina Koller: Walk on By

1 week ago | allaboutjazz.com | Konstantin Rega

Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Kristina Koller: Walk on By 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.
Reviewed: Lance Ferguson | Alessandro Sgobbio | The Action 4s

2 weeks ago | jazzjournal.co.uk | Konstantin Rega

Musical inspiration can strike from the most unexpected sources. For Lance Ferguson, the spark behind L’Océan De Toi came from the rediscovery and restoration of a long-lost 1981 film of the same name. Tasked with composing its new soundtrack, Ferguson infused the project with laidback, jazz-tinged elements, crafting an album that not only complements the movie but also stands firmly on its own.
Atlantic Jazz Collective: Seascape

3 weeks ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

A new group ready to make its mark, the Atlantic Jazz Collective seeks inspiration from the natural world. On Seascape, saxophonist Mike Murley, pianist Florian Hoefner, bassist Jim Vivian, drummer Joe LaBarbera and vocalist Norma Winstone offer modern jazz originals (from musicians like Kenny Wheeler, Steve Swallow and Ralph Towner) that highlight layered compositions, intriguing improvisations and cautious teamwork.
Anatomy of a Tracklist: Enya: Watermark

3 weeks ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

Before Enya, the new age genre was mostly considered background music. Though the term itself can sometimes seem like more of a marketing gimmick than a musical category, the songs often utilize ambient aspects with synthesizers, reverb, acoustic instruments and airy vocals. When Enya’s Watermark was released in 1988, it showed that it was time to reconsider the genre’s standing.
Daniel Herskedal: Movements of Air

1 month ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

Place and setting might be important to writers and poets, but they also hold strong sway over musicians and composers. Norwegian tubist Daniel Herskedal finds wintery inspiration in his homeland, and he creates beautiful pieces that sing with a melancholy that pierces through the skin like a fresh frost goes through grass. Movements of Air features Eyolf Dale on piano and Helge Andreas Norbakken on drums and percussion.
Deradoorian: Ready for Heaven

1 month ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

California-based artist (Angel) Deradoorian looks to herself, her world and her spirit to find inspiration and make music. Ready for Heaven contemplates the earthly plane and the heavenly one, as well as the self and how we navigate our lives. These nine open-hearted tracks will stir listeners’ minds and emotions. Though there are personal messages within the pieces, they are not so rigid as to prevent people from connecting with the songs and bringing their own meanings to them.
Sister Ray: Believer

2 months ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

Second albums can be problematic; they can also be invigorating. Sister Ray saw success with their debut, and they shall certainly see similar praise with Believer. Led by Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ella Coyes, the group embraces an alternative folk filled with subtle reverb, steady guitar and raw yet tender vocals. Fans will be intrigued by the stronger sense of self, the modified sonic qualities, and newcomers will find the softer tones matched with expressive vocals alluring.
Matt Carmichael: Dancing with Embers

2 months ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

There is a fine balance between being folk-inspired and turning on the country twang. Saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael achieves a contemporary folk sound blended with jazz sensibilities without relying on musical gimmicks and clichés. Dancing with Embers is an acoustic album that meditates on the various shades of existence. These are spaces dedicated to softer sighs. Though the energy is not turned to snooze, the tracks have a nocturnal gait.
Stefano Tanzi: Wrong Together

2 months ago | allaboutjazz.com | Konstantin Rega

Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Stefano Tanzi: Wrong Together 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.