Nika Rejto - Bridge Weaver (1998)

World-class flutist Nika Rejto carves her niche among jazz flutists with the release of Bridge Weaver, a beautiful collection of jazz standards written by such jazz greats as Charles Lloyd, John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, and Billy Strayhorn, and two versions of her original composition "Song for Abraham." This beautiful program opens with Charles Lloyd's beautiful classic "Forest Flower," which Rejto plays with elegant articulation and a beautiful mixture of piano improvisation from Larry Vuckovich's free-spirited piano. Joined by the dean of jazz drummers, Northern California's own Eddie Marshall turns this recording into a comfortable listen with his supple swing and enduring syncopation on "How Insensitive." Dmitri Matheny adds a lovely resonance from his flügelhorn treatment on "Naima" and "Chelsea Bridge," blending his voicings with Rejto's alto flute with such beauty and soul. However, the highlight of the CD is Nika Rejto's signature piece, "My Funny Valentine." Her beautiful tones and tasteful phrasings portray her sensitivity and connective experiences with the irresistible music from the Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart catalog. She turns in an outstanding performance on this song. This is an excellent CD filled with memorable tunes that stay with you long after the last song ends and one that any lover of jazz flute would be delighted to add it to their collection. ~ Paula Edelstein