Music Junkie: Jazz roots meet modern classical in Occhipinti’s latest

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Looking Glass — David Occhipinti

(Elastic Recordings / Occdav Music, 2026)

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Canadian guitarist and composer David Occhipinti first caught my attention with his 2002 album, Duologue.

It’s an endearing duo album with saxophonist Mike Murley that includes jazz standards, contrafacts and original compositions. Occhipinti’s guitar playing is breathtaking in its sensitivity and lyrical approach.

Nearly 25 years later, Occhipinti has released other intriguing work, and his newest release blends his jazz roots and his passion for modern classical music. Billed as “music for guitar and string trio,” he is joined by Aline Homzy (violin), Steven Dann (viola) and Maria Zachariadou (cello).

Six Bagatelles open the record with a half-dozen brief compositions lasting only about a minute each. They are concise and thoughtful, exploring sound colour and textural interplay.

The Fruminous Bandersnatch is inspired by Lewis Carroll, and takes a much more extended exploration through the world of sound. Of particular interest to guitar nerds, Occhipinti has made an inventive customization to his guitar that is showcased on this track.

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Luthier Doug Harrison installed an extra pickup above the instrument’s nut to amplify the tones above Occhipinti’s left hand. Plugged into a separate amplifier, these mirror overtones and extra notes give a curious new sense of sound “through the looking glass.”

It is bold and exciting, like a new musical language.

Sonyshnyky is dedicated to Ukraine and features guest vibraphonist Beverley Johnston (also playing crotales). Mezzo-soprano Alex Hetherington sings on Sotto le Stelle, and You Stepped Out. Charlotte Mundy lends her soprano voice to the track Who’s your Dada?

Amrita

(Independent, 2026)

Full transparency: I love good tabla players, I gleefully own my bias, and I proclaim this record is mind-blowing.

This compelling duo features the unusual yet delightful instrumental pairing of soprano saxophone and tabla. Anita Katakkar (tabla) and Kayla Milmine (soprano saxophone) perform under the name Amrita, which is Sanskrit for “nectar of immortality.” The sound is an intriguing blend of the musicians’ distinct heritages — Hindustani music and jazz/improvised music.

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Shifting tempos, angular melodic lines, and exploratory forms provide a rich and engaging listening experience. Two special guests contribute to a few tracks each. Jonathan Kay plays the esraj (a bowed sitar-like instrument from the Punjab region) and Zaynab Wilson adds rhythmic texture on cajon.

This record needs to be heard to be fully appreciated. Words do not adequately express how special it is.

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