Both Sides Now
Life In Music, 2026
8/10
The inimitable pianist Kemuel Roig mixes his Cuban heritage with a classical angle for these 13 well thought out interpretations.
“Junk” opens the listen with much care, where the soft progressions tug on the heartstrings via the McCartney tune, and “How Can I Be Sure” follows with a light melody flowing amid the complicated playing.
In the middle, “I Love You” offers a romantic mood that’s emotive, while the title track, by Joni Mitchell, enters dreamy territory via the gentle playing and gorgeous tone that’s introspective and warm.
Getting closer to the end, “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” finds a cozy place to reside alongside the calming ambience and grace, and “The Peacocks”, a bonus track, finishes with lushness and sophistication from Roig’s agile fingers.
A highly technical outing that recruits new ideas into the fold, Roig’s performance is uplifting and tender, where the melodic aspects are greatly appreciated and all reworking truly contain his own careful vision.
Travels well with: Rich Willey- Laid Back Vol. 1; Jason Kruk- Beyond The Veil