Yugen
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A veteran jazz pianist who is also an esteemed composer, Cyprus native and New York resident Glafkos Kontemeniotis brings us 11 originals on this sophomore solo album where esteemed musicians from his current home are also on hand.
“Never Enough” starts the listen with playful keys as elegant saxophone from Joel Frahm enters the agile jazz opener, and “Dingane” follows with graceful piano from Kontemeniotis on the rhythmic display as vocals used as an instrument from Eleni Arapoglou add much to the setting.
In the middle, “Barge Captain Gets The Blues” offers a chilling and emotive peek into the dynamic instrumentation present, while “Yugen” recruits vibraphone by Alexander Gagatsis that complements the key acrobatics in the timeless jazz atmosphere.
Deeper into the record, “Exhibit A” gets frisky and memorable with Dave Meade’s proficient drumming while the sax dances around the melodies, and “Hope” exits the listen upbeat and danceable with glorious musicianship that glows with precision and control.
Although certainly a jazz record at its core, classical ideas are absolutely in attendance, as are plenty of solos, as Kontemeniotis and company make contemporary sounds that are as fluid as they are impressive here.
Travels well with: Matthew Snow- Iridescence; Alan Rosenthal- Elbow Grease