Stefanos Kozanis – Asterismyth (Album Review)

Jazz is a genre that is always full of possibilities, never really leaving the listener with a predictable journey whenever an artist attempts to compose within the endless ‘boundaries’ of the genre itself. It is filled with so much richness, gusto and life that every attempt is quite personalised- almost like the quirks and nuances of our handwriting. It is in a way, sonic plays that feel like on-the-spot performance art with improvisation that can leave you begging and thinking for more.

Today’s review will surround a novel release that attempts to mix the traditions of jazz with classical music and Greek traditional music, promising a soundscape that is both sophisticated and dreamlike.

‘Asterismyth‘, the release in question, is the newest concept album by pianist and composer Stefanos Kozanis. It was released on October 25 2024 across major digital music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. The album was entirely crafted by the eponymous band, inviting listeners through a journey of 12 captivating and mystical tracks. Each piece in this album is inspired by a different constellation, as well as its mythical counterpart from ancient Greek lore. It blends intricate melodies and atmospheric soundscapes, evoking a sense of celestial wonder and telling timeless stories about the stars.

The album also features a talented ensemble of Athens-based musicians, including Katerina Konstantinou on vocals and lyrics, Dimitris Margaritis on violin and poetry, Stefanos Kozanis on piano and composition, Kostas Patsiotis on double bass, and Nikos Sidirokastritis on drums.

I have to say, this album is an absolute delight and pleasure to listen to. Each track is filled with such delicate melodies and playing, accented and juxtaposed by the complexity of each subtle instrument cementing their place within each composition. It has a dreamy feeling, but I’d say that this album definitely creates a niche for itself by breaking the stereotypical mold of what a ‘dreamy’ body of work has to offer by presenting more emotional tones and a glittery, golden silver lining through the timbre of the melodic fragments of each song composition.

It has many, many emotions wrapped up in one, with some possibly being multicontextual as well. There is sorrow, there is wonder, there is hope, there is contemplation, there is complexity… good art typically has the notion of being subjective and open to many interpretations, like the way onlookers busk within a picture of Mona Lisa in the confines of their vision. Likewise, I think this body of work needs to be experienced and dissected every single time you listen to it to get the most value out of it. It is tender and truly moves like a very cinematic body of work.

Another thing I’d have to point out is simply how engaging the tracks are, with their high level of musical variability and no real monotony as the notes within each composition pass on to the next. You might hear a recognisable motif or two, but the way its sandwiched within wonderfully glistening arrangements has to be adored and studied. It is very well-written and very well-mastered.

I think this album deserves all of the acclaim that it gets. There are no real flaws within this album, as each song take you on a wonderful journey that will keep you enthralled and excited to travel through the cosmos. Each time you listen to any song on this album, you’ll be met with a boost to your senses and a way for you to open your mind by visualising how accentuated and expansive it is. Highly recommended.

Score/Outstanding: Asterismyth is a body of work that truly blew my mind with how neverending and captivating it is. It makes you feel many, many emotions at once, without sacrificing the technical aspects of music. It is very amazingly arranged, and each motif sandwiched within each song bear a tenderness that is very hard to describe within logocentrism. This album should be a hallmark to anyone intending to perceive music with a deeper meaning and feel.

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

Follow Asterismyth on:

Facebook

Instagram

or, their Official Website