Constellations
la reserve, 2022
8/10
The vocal-bass duo of Martina Dasilva and Dan ‘Chimy’ Chmielinski, as ChimyTina, the pair interpret jazz classics and toss in a couple of originals with much imagination and sincerity on this sophomore album that welcomes plenty of guests, too.
“I Want To Be Happy” starts the listen with Dasilva’s bright, soulful singing alongside Marquis Hill’s glowing trumpet and the dancing bass lines from Chmielinski, and “As Praias Desertas” follows with Ken Kubota’s stirring cello to complement the poetic singing in Portuguese.
Further on, the free jazz nods of “I’ll Never Be The Same” welcomes Lucas Pino on tenor sax as the strategic bass sure does impress, while Andrew Renfroe’s soothing guitar, breezy melody and the gorgeous singing of “It’s All In Your Mind” makes this the album’s best.
Making our way towards the end, “Trouble In Mind” places Grace Kelly on alto sax for the charming and soaring interpretation, and “Lush Life” continues the sophistication with a very emotive delivery from the pair.
A heartfelt listen that’s not short on introspection and heartfelt song craft, Dasilva and Chmielinski are capable of swinging playfully and exploring intimacy with much skill and timelessness.
Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come