Amrita
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
The Toronto duo Amrita, i.e. Anita Katakkar and Kayla Milmine, are joined by a couple of guests for these 9 worldly and experimental jazz songs.
“Take Flight” opens with Milmine’s rich soprano sax alongside Katakkar’s playful tabla, and “Clinton Street 7” follows with plenty of grooves, as the wind and drum interact playfully.
“Dimension Jumping” and “Heavy Bird” occupy the middle spots. The former welcomes Zaynab Wilson’s cajón to the rhythmic climate, while the latter emits intimacy in its bare but impactful delivery that’s soulful and emotive.
Further on, “Elephant Promenade” has 2 parts that enlists Jonathan Kay’s esraj for the string focused and dynamic album highlight that allows for Milmine’s sax to shine, and “Metamorphosis” exits with well timed vocals, mesmerizing table and upbeat sax prowess.
An often intimate and globally enjoyable effort that explores many traditions, Amrita’s version of improvisation and cross-cultural songwriting makes for an enlightening and timeless experience.
Travels well with: Allison Cameron & Scott Thomson- Platanus; Stranger Still- We Might Not Tell Everybody This