John Stetch
is a Canadian pianist of Ukrainian descent, and with this fine solo disc he consciously sets out to explore his heritage. Based largely on folkloric sources, the music is by turns contemplative and playful, with
Stetch
referencing
jazz
and
classical
harmonies and
ethnic
dance rhythms to create a program full of contrasts.
is also quite the texturalist, pounding the piano's low end for dramatic effect and delving inside the instrument for buzzing drones and atmospheric clatter. The
swing
flavor of
"Carpathian Blues"
and the strikingly beautiful melodic contours of
"Savella"
"Children of Chornobyl"
(sic) are among the key highlights. ~ David R. Adler