Rahel Talts - 2025 - New and Familiar

(51:14; Rahel Talts)

Track list:
1. Meie Elu 6:10
2. Restless 5:22
3. Conversations I 6:01
4. Conversations II 5:04
5. Conversations III 6:40
6. Conversations IV 2:15
7. Bella Center 9:32
8. New and Familiar 10:10

Line-up:
Karmen Rõivassepp - vocals
Rahel Talts - piano
Jakob Sørensen - trompet, flugelhorn
Donatas Petreikis - saxophones, flute
Linda-Anette Verte - violin
Egert Leinsaar - violin
Sandra Klimaitė - viola
Theodor Sink - cello
Jacob Djursaa - guitars
Mariusz Praśniewski - bass
Jesper Lørup Christensen - drums
Kasper Grøn - percussion
with:
Mads Haupt Clausen - trombone
Ernesta Vauraitė - flute


Denmark based Estonian artist Rahel Talts is an active composer and performer as a band member as well as when exploring her chosen musical landscapes as a solo artist. In terms of the latter part of her escapades she has been quite the busy creator indeed, with three albums to her name in the last few years. "New and Familiar" is the name of the most recent of these, which was self released at the start of 2025.

If there is a key phrase to describe the landscapes explored by Talts, then it is uplifting, playful and elegant. There is a joy to the compositions she makes that inspire you to smile and have a good laugh, and very much a case of her take on the jazz tradition being a very life inspiring one indeed. It is also one that does include and incorporate elements from outside of the jazz universe as such.

The vocals in particular, but also some of the instrument details, do add a bit of a folk music vibe to these compositions. Rarely if ever in a purebred manner however, other than in brief sequences, but as a part of a more unified and total experience. Often being the provider of details that adds a little bit of a dreamladen mood and atmosphere to the proceedings. Much the same can be said about the other main influence that venture beyond the jazz universe a little bit, namely the use of orchestral overlays and orchestral inspired textures. In this case they are used and applied in a manner that adds or emphasize the elegance of the landscapes explored. A light presence if you like, very much in line with the light toned and uplifting landscapes we are exploring on this ride.

Those with a fancy for the more expressive side of the jazz spectrum will get their needs fulfilled here too, but in this case in a more compelling and broadly appealing manner. Where the instrumentalists operate within the confines of the music focusing on being a positive, elegant and playful experience first and foremost. With Talts and her use of the piano standing first in line to exemplify that approach and execution on her chosen instrument.

If you tend to enjoy music of a more uplifting character in general and that jazz explored with a bit of folk music and classical music seasoning strikes you as a positive in such a context, then this most recent album by Rahel Talts should be quite the joyful experience. A production to seek out if a light, playful and more carefully expressive variety of folk and classical music flavored jazz of the elegant is music you tend to enjoy.

Olav M. Björnsen, February 2025

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/RahelTaltsMusic