New Beginning
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The esteemed guitarist/composer Nic Vardanega brings along Ben Allison and Allan Mednard for these 8 new tracks that surround new beginnings in both his professional and personal life, as he’s recently become a father.
“New Beginning” gets the listen off to a warm start with the glowing guitar amid Mednard’s frisky drumming, and “Cardenas” follows with a shimmering intimacy that uses the jazz guitar prowess meticulously.
Halfway through, “Looking Back” is indeed reflective in its stirring presence that radiates Allison’s bass strategically, while “Inner Episode” is a little quicker, busier and certainly showcases the trio’s dynamic playing with swift melody.
“Summers” and “M’s Lullaby” exit the listen, where the former emits rock textures with the energetic rhythm section front and center, and the latter focuses on Vardanega’s fluid and dreamy guitar tone that’s as absorbing as it is memorable.
Vardanega is quickly making a name for himself on the international jazz scene, and this inventive 3rd album will be sure to impress anyone with an ear for guitar heavy jazz ideas.
Travels well with: Randy Bernsen- Heart Mind And Soul; Jimmy Haslip- New Dreams