Ukraine is a breeding ground for culture and exceptional artists. The war there has sent a great many talented musicians out into the world. Many drop their suitcases and their hopes in Montreal, a world-class cultural metropolis located in Canada, a country attractive to many humans seeking peace and concrete opportunities.
Although guitarist Nick Semenykhin had already been away from his homeland for several years (he lived in New York), it is now unlikely that he will be able to return to Ukraine to build a jazz career. He recently settled in Montreal and quickly integrated himself into the city’s jazz ecosystem. The result is a debut full-length album (he has two previous EPs to his credit), Paradigm, printed by Odd Sound.
Accompanied by Ben Boardman on bass, Olivier Mallette on drums and Bryn Roberts on piano, Semenykhin regales us with a light, airy virtuosity, and an aptitude for delicacy that manifests itself in a few pretty ballads. Semenykhin’s style doesn’t overturn conventions, being firmly rooted in classic bop and post-bop. But the quality of execution and listening between the musicians makes this product eminently seductive. Very good jazz, offering exactly what an aficionado of the grand style expects from a fine evening at Dièse Onze or Upstairs.
And Paradigm will be launched tonight at Dièse Onze. A fine evening in prospect.
