Nassia Gofa – Herkyna / Nassia Gofa & The Jazz Tales (Album Review)

Today’s review features Nassia Gofa and her new album “Herkyna / Nassia Gofa & The Jazz Tales.”

HERKYNA is a June 2023 collaboration featuring jazz vocalist Nassia Gofa and her ensemble The Jazz Tales. It features original compositions by pianist Stefanos Kozanis and lyrics by Karina Ruby. The album features various jazz styles – from ballads, hard bop, modal, and modern jazz. The music and lyrics narrate a journey “from darkness to light,” inspired by the myth of the nymph Herkyna.

Nassia Gofa (Vocals) is an established jazz singer in the Greek scene with over 20 years of experience, known for her expressive range and appearances in major jazz festivals (e.g., Athens Jazz Festival). Stefanos Kozanis (Piano / Compositions) is the composer behind the project’s original material, focusing on a blend of contemporary European jazz and lyrical storytelling. The Band, The Jazz Tales consists of Thomas Mitrousis (Guitar), Kostas Patsiotis (Double Bass), Anastasis Gouliaris (Drums), and Special Guest, International saxophonist Gilad Atzmon (Tenor Sax on Track 1). Sound Engineering by George Priniotakis / Artracks Studios.

So let’s have a listen …

Cameron’s Past. Nassia kicks off with a jazzy vocal line, but I find myself distracted by the bad mix of the cymbals or snare drum that sounds like a scratchy noise or static covering up everything else on the track. I suggest the artist correct the issue, replay the drum parts, and remix the track. I’m loving the vocal runs in this piece. And the saxophone by Gilad Atzmon is a nice touch. Very dreamy tune.

Million Dollar Ears. Starts with a catchy double-bass riff. No static noise on this one. The vocals bounce against the bass line. Very nice, clear mix. I’m digging the jazzy vocal runs that syncopate with the bass riffs. Some scat singing in the middle of the piece. Nice piano solo in the middle of the tune, followed by a clean electric guitar solo. The bassist takes his turn soloing next. Nice ensemble piece. Nassia has a really fun voice for jazz.

Two Steps Before. Very nice, lonely electric guitar solo begins this tune. Very slow tempo. I like the interplay between the guitar and the vocalist. Eventually, the drums and bass enter. “Two steps before I love you.” Very nice piano runs in the solo section. Followed by a clean, jazzy electric guitar solo. The playing and performances on this album are excellent. Some nice scat vocal work by Nassia adds a nice touch to the song. Followed by a double-bass solo and some deft cymbal work by the drummer. “Two steps before I kiss your lips.” I like how the vocalist dances on top of the band.

Ti einai afto pou to lene agapi. Starts with a thumping bass riff, drums, and a piano enter the fray. Sounds very tribal. The vocals on this one are in Greek. The song title translates to “What is this thing called love?” Very nice piano work in this song. The song then transforms into a march. Some very nice vocal scatting at the end of this song. Very Nina Simone.

Striking Distance. Starts with a distant piano run playing a waterfall riff. Strings enter the sound picture. Very discordant piano chords underneath the piano solo. Eventually, the song stabilizes on a piano riff with slow drums and bass. The vocals are particularly nice on this tune. Loving the lonely, clean electric guitar solo runs later in this song with matching piano runs. This is an exceptional jazz album. A slightly distorted electric guitar plays jazz chords in this mix of sounds from the ensemble. Very discordant cacophony of swirling sounds, but all musically connected. The song ends on a solo piano and lone vocal singing “to erase the striking distance that was between us.”

Lament. An instrumental piece written by Stefanos Kozanis. Starts with a piano accompanied by the double-bass and gentle drums/cymbals. The piece picks up steam. A clean electric guitar enters the fray. The piece picks up in intensity, the electric guitar starts playing more intricate lines against the comping piano and bass. The song eventually falls back to the lonely piano against a simplified bass and drum line. The pianist does a lovely job filling out the piece. I’m loving all the note and scale choices.

This Is Not Farewell. Starts with a bowed cello or bass. Enter the vocals against higher strings. Very slow song with the vocals dancing over the strings, then the full band enters the song – electric guitar, bass, drums. I love the interplay between the vocalist and the electric guitar. The bass takes a solo run. All of these musicians are extremely talented. The piano takes a turn at soloing. Eventually, Nassia comes back in singing against strings as the rest of the band drops out, except for the distant sound of the piano underneath. The full band reenters to close out the song.

Waltz for Sophia. Very distant clean electric guitar comping jazz chords. Nassia sings sweetly over the top as the double bass enters the picture. All of a sudden, the band and vocals pick up the rhythmic pace. A very nice piano solo follows. Soon, the pianist falls back, and the clean, jazzy electric guitar takes a turn at fleshing out the melody. The vocals come back in, quick, bouncing with the band, then fall back into a slow speaking type vocal to end the song.

Che fece … il gran rifiuto. Which means “who made … the great refusal?” This is more of a speech over a jazz piano line. A very short conclusion.

SCORE/Outstanding: Greek jazz vocalist Nassia Gofa and her ensemble, the Jazz Tales, deliver a stunning performance on their 2023 album Herkyna. Exquisite jazz melodies and solos litter the album. Nassia has an exceptional voice for jazz. Every song is sonically interesting, and the musical performances are brilliant. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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