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

Deradoorian: Ready for Heaven

2 days 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 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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.
Adam Ben Ezra: Heavy Drops

1 month ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

The groove is strong in multi-instrumentalist Adam Ben Ezra’s Heavy Drops. Mainly known as a double bass player, he has performed with the likes of Snarky Puppy, Pat Metheny, Victor Wooten, etc., and it shows in his smooth and energetic musical abilities. Joined by drummer Michael Olivera, Ezra still produces a meaty sound that morphs intriguingly throughout the release.
Anouar Brahem: After the Last Sky

1 month ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

Shaking up the expected is what jazz is all about. Musician Anouar Brahem delivers his music with exceptional care and consideration. After the Last Sky engages with the wider world. Wonderful Arabic flavors imbue his sense of jazz. With the assistance of bassist Dave Holland, pianist Django Bates and cellist Anja Lechner, a real tapestry of sound is woven. The album is a blend of classical motifs, jazz improvisations and subtle Middle Eastern sonic aesthetics.
Paul Simon: Still Crazy After All These Years

1 month ago | spectrumculture.com | Konstantin Rega

Simon is a songwriter who competently writes both upbeat songs and sincere ballads (as well as just about everything in between). The title track begins the release, offering a jazzy pop tune — “jazzy” mostly because of the saxophone thrown into the mix. The Fender Rhodes intro is also a very specific start. It’s ear-catching, and it comes in and fades out throughout the piece.
Takuya Kuroda: Everyday

2 months ago | allaboutjazz.com | Konstantin Rega

Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Takuya Kuroda: Everyday 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.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Virginia’s Best Festivals & Parades

2 months ago | virginialiving.com | Hope Cartwright |Madeline Mayhood |Konstantin Rega |Dean King

It’s not just the luck of the Irish that Virginians are so passionate about St. Patrick’s Day. So many Irishmen settled in Virginia in the 1700s that the Shenandoah Valley was once known as the “Irish Tract.” Whether you’re tracing your Celtic roots or just in it for the Guinness, cities across the Commonwealth have you covered with events embracing the emerald.
Top 10 Must-Visit Spring Festivals for 2025

2 months ago | virginialiving.com | Hope Cartwright |Madeline Mayhood |Konstantin Rega |Dean King

March 8–9 & 15–16: Virginia’s “sweetest event of the year” brings maple syrup to the scenic streets of Monterey, McDowell, Bluegrass, and other Highland County towns. Enjoy maple sugar camp tours, pancake meals, and maple donuts. HighlandCounty.orgMarch 20–23: Virginia authors converge in Charlottesville, a town of rich historic character and literary legends (Edgar Allan Poe and William Faulkner, among others) to share insights on their writing, methods, and philosophies.