Winnipeg-born and based double bassist Ilya Osachuk is one of the most prominent figures of the new North American jazz generation. The Answer is the young artist’s first opus, and a very fine success indeed. Here we hear jazz built on the classical architecture of the 60s tradition, swing, bop and post-bop. References to the great names are present in inspired tributes (Monk with Work, and Coltrane with Satellite).
The young man’s personal compositions sometimes bring his own Ukrainian roots to the fore (Lviv Perspective) and, more often, other stylistic influences such as those of Ray Brown’s classic trio. The cozy but ultra-refined classicism of the master is also strongly perceptible in Osachuk’s playing. In some pieces he is surrounded by two young lions of the new scene, Tyler Henderson on piano and Kai Craig on drums, and in others, solid veterans like Donald Vega and Billy Drummond, piano and drums.
A jazz trio album that sure hits the right spot.
