In the sophisticated landscape of Canadian jazz, few stories resonate with as much emotional truth and artistic resilience as that of Kim Kaskiw. A Toronto-born, Ottawa-based vocalist, composer, and trailblazing tuba player, Kaskiw has unveiled her latest album, The Latin Jazz Fusion Project, a vibrant bridge between Latin, Jazz, Funk, and Fusion. Drawing from a life defined by music, the album celebrates the beauty of life, perseverance, and the power of creative expression.
The record’s creation is deeply intertwined with Kaskiw’s journey through a 2020 diagnosis of musicians’ focal dystonia, a neurological condition that threatened her ability to perform. Rather than retreating, she used the diagnosis as a creative catalyst, collaborating with tenor saxophonist and arranger Joey Berkley — who also lives with the condition — to craft an album that is both a triumph of will and a masterclass in musicianship. “My motto has always been: If not now, when?” says Kaskiw. “I wanted to find a way to express myself fully in the studio and cheat dystonia in the process. I think I succeeded!” The sessions, featuring stellar musicians from Toronto, Ottawa, and New York City, radiate warmth and strength.
Central to the album is the new single, “HER”, inspired by legendary vocalist Nancy Wilson. Kaskiw explains: “Nancy Wilson could deliver a song with deadly precision. I wanted to write an impactful song with a ‘hard right hook’ like she did in Guess Who I Saw Today?” The slow Bossa Nova track features a haunting harmonica solo by Normand Glaude, elevating the piece to poignant heights. Other highlights include “Come To Me,” showcasing Kaskiw’s triple-threat talent as composer, tuba player, and vocalist; the funky recovery anthem “Rise Up,” nodding to Tower of Power; and the intricate “Sol Sista,” a rhythmic tribute to her sister’s 50th birthday.
Thematically, The Latin Jazz Fusion Project explores love, loss, and the healing power of the present moment. Tracks like “Here and Now” convey empathy and hope to those who have lost loved ones, while “Black Rooster” and “Waltz for JP” reflect travel-inspired experiences and tributes to mentors. Throughout, Kaskiw’s original compositions and lyrics invite listeners into a world of emotional truth, proving that music is a powerful force for healing and uplift.
By blending jazz storytelling with modern Latin Jazz Fusion and elevating the tuba to a central role, Kaskiw not only raises awareness for musicians with focal dystonia but also celebrates the human spirit. The Latin Jazz Fusion Project is a testament to creativity as the ultimate driver of expression, even in the face of life’s most profound challenges.
No comments:
Post a Comment