Milky Way (La Reserve)
Chimytina
Released April 21, 2023
DownBeat Four-and-a-Half-Star Review
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mMUIlowvLbu6IhpR6iIQztA46TzcPQFww
Spotify:
About:
Vocalist Martina DaSilva and bassist Dan Chmielinski worked wonders on their 2022 LP “Constellations.” With recordings both hip and supremely elegant, the duo traced their way through an eclectic mix of classics, deep cuts, and originals, inviting some of the best players in New York along for the ride.
Now, Chimytina have done it again. Milky Way expands upon the beauty and fun of “Constellations,” offering a new set of outrageously listenable music bent on winning over your heart and ear.
And when we say outrageously listenable, we mean it.
You want David Bowie jazz? Chimytina are ready with “Life on Mars.”
How about Rodgers and Hart, redone with a dash of gypsy jazz? See “It Never Entered My Mind.”
An in-your-feelings original about living in New York? Here’s “My Universe.”
Chimytina often talk about their music in terms of sparkle and magic (more on that below). We can confidently say, Milky Way brings it in heaps.
“There’s an element to the recordings,” starts Chmielinski, “what we call the fourth guest, which is the interaction between us all.
“A lot of what we do is based on spontaneity. And there’s a sparkle and magic that comes from being in the moment with each other, and with these amazing guest artists.”
“A big part of it is musical minimalism,” adds DaSilva. “It’s part of why I’m so happy just playing with Dan and a guest. It’s about having what we need so we can have honest conversations. Removing the clutter and the unnecessary elements makes room for magic.”
Matt Helm
Track Listing:
1. Twin Flame 04:13
2. Just Squeeze Me 03:37
3. To Each Their Own 03:46
4. Take A Picture of the Moon 04:51
5. Life On Mars 05:35
6. Manhã de Carnaval 02:02
7. It Never Entered My Mind 05:17
8. If You Want The Rainbow, You Must Have The Rain 05:45
9. On The Sunny Side of the Street 03:14
10. My Universe 04:41
Personnel:
Martina DaSilva: vocals
Dan Chmielinski: bass
Guests
Gabe Schnider: guitar
Dida Pelled: guitar
Chad LB: saxophone
Lucas Pino: saxophone
Grace Kelly: saxophone
Joel Ross: vibraphone
Sasha Berliner: vibraphone
Mike Stephenson: vocals
Review:
The team of singer Martina DaSilva and bassist Dan Chmielinski (which is known as Chimytina) are featured on the LP Milky Way along with one or two guests on seven of the 10 selections. They mostly perform standards plus two excellent originals and David Bowie’s “Life On Mars.” DaSilva has a lovely voice with a wide range, and both she and the bassist are swinging improvisers who sound relaxed in this intimate setting while stretching themselves and never seeming to run out of fresh ideas. The guests (guitarists Gabe Schnider and Dida Pelled, saxophonists Chad LB, Lucas Pino and Grace Kelly, vibraphonists Joel Ross and Sasha Berliner, and singer Mike Stephenson) all get individual spots and add color and variety to the music. Chimytina is actually strong enough by itself not to need any additions, although Ross’ vibes on the charming version of “Take A Picture Of The Moon” is delightful.
Scott Yanow (DownBeat)
