Léna
General, 2026
9/10
The composer and musician Vasilis Kostas meshes contemporary jazz with Greek Folk traditions here, where his rich laouto is played meticulously via the stunning debut effort.
“Beyond Syndesis” starts with Kostas’ warm laouto that complements the heartfelt keys in the intimate climate, and “Reaching For Hope” follows with flowing progressions from the strings amid precise drumming that’s cultured and mesmerizing.
“For Léna” arrives in the middle and emits ambience before the stirring violin complements the cozy laouto, while “Kalesma” builds into a busy and dynamic album highlight that’s precise and radiates expressive singing, too.
Further yet, “Andi And Danielle’s Dream” employs cinematic piano and the strategic laouto alongside much caution, and “To Horio” exits with plenty of Eastern ideas amid the elegant and adventurous vocals.
An enlightening and nostalgic effort that doesn’t shy away from melody, tenderness and sweeping arrangements, Kostas fleshes out an album for his mother who passed away, and it’s nothing short of captivating.
Travels well with: Baklava Express- Sabába; Anupam Shobhakar- Liquid Reality