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Ilya Osachuk: The Answer

By Neil Duggan
November 19, 2024
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Canadian bassist

Ilya Osachuk

bass, acoustic
b.1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Ilya Osachuk is positive proof that the jazz education system in Canada and the US is in fine shape. Born in Winnipeg, Osachuk graduated from the University of Manitoba's Desautels Faculty of Music in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance. He then moved to New York and gained a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the Juilliard School in 2023. studying bass under

Ben Wolfe

bass
b.1962

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Wolfe and

Gerald Cannon

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerald Cannon and composition and arranging under

Andy Farber

saxophone
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Andy Farber. Having worked as a sideman with leading musicians in both countries, he has released his first album, The Answer.

While Osachuk composes, arranges and produces, it is not a solo effort. The album features him performing in two excellent piano trios. Initially, he is joined by two of his contemporaries: pianist

Tyler Henderson

piano
b.2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Tyler Henderson and drummer

Kai Craig

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Kai Craig, who play on five of the eight tracks. The remaining tunes feature two of his mentors: pianist

Donald Vega

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Donald Vega and drummer

Billy Drummond

drums
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Drummond.

Originally composed in the 1930s, the opening track "I Cover the Waterfront" may have a rich vintage feel, but there is nothing old- fashioned in the way Henderson and Osachuk pick a melodic path around Craig's groove. The up-tempo rhythm of Osachuk's composition "Lviv Perspective," inspired by meeting his extended family in Ukraine for the first time, has his eloquent bass solo alongside a pulsing piano melody, ably supported by Craig's drum interjections.

Henderson's piano flows around the excellent trio interplay in the light swing of "Waltz for J." The trio tackles

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk's "Work" with Henderson and Osachuk adroitly navigating Monk's twists and turns before they save the best for last as they excel on

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane's "Satellite," Osachuk's bending strings and Craig's rhythms supporting Henderson's piano flight as the melody is moved to the end of the tune.

This may be Osachuk's debut, but it is a decided triumph as he finds a path for his deeply rhythmic voice in two excellent line-ups. Following a fine bass introduction, the second trio appears on "February," with Drummond's drums linking improvisations from Vega and Osachuk. The bright passages and inventive shifting rhythms of the title track give space for all to express themselves. Their final combination is on the atmospheric 1940s song "Tenderly." Notably covered by

Sarah Vaughan

vocals
1924 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Sarah Vaughan,

Billie Holiday

vocals
1915 - 1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Billie Holiday and

Bill Evans

piano
1929 - 1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Evans, this finds Osachuk at his subtle and pleasing best.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

I Cover the Waterfront; Lviv Perspective; Intro (February); February; Work; Tenderly; The Answer; Waltz for J; Satellite.

Personnel

Ilya Osachuk

bass, acoustic

Tyler Henderson

piano

Donald Vega

piano

Kai Craig

drums

Billy Drummond

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Tyler Henderson: piano (1,2,5,8,9); Kai Craig: drums (1,2,5,8,9); Donald Vega: piano (4,6,7); Billy Drummond: drums (4,6,7).

Album information

Title: The Answer | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced

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