Yelena Eckemoff - Scenes from the Dark Ages (2025) [Hi-Res]

"This is clearly an ensemble effort. Yes, all the music comes from Eckemoff’s pen, but the narrative qualities seem to have required an expanded sonic palette to be realized. Like Chick Corea’s forays into storytelling (think Romantic Warrior), this isn’t just an album consisting of songs but one made up of melodic threads that connect the roles and varied movements. This isn’t a jazz album, per se, although improvisation, instrumental skill and the occasional groove permeate. Riccardo Bertuzzi’s electric guitar forays recall Corea’s own sonic designs, along with the rapid-fire deliveries that come from Trilok Gurtu’s uniquely combined percussion and drum work. The groove doesn’t drive the music, which feels more orchestrated. And yet, as Eckemoff says about the project, “I didn’t want just guitar and bass, I wanted rock guitar and electric bass and really strong drums.” In other words, more of a prog-rock feel — in this case, tapered more to melodic expression instead of a driving beat. The flute playing of Carlo Nicita goes a long way furthering this particular approach. “Monks In Scriptorium,” for example, seems to inevitably lead to Nicita’s evocation of the song’s mood of mystery and tranquility. Likewise with the aptly titled, solemn “Cathedral,” Eckemoff’s sonic palette coursing throughout. Indeed, Scenes From The Dark Ages surfaces as a realized childhood dream of her “Medieval Symphony." (John Ephland, Downbeat)

"Infusing spellbinding progressive rock and jazz with a Medieval concept and delivered by a top-tier ensemble, Scenes From The Dark Ages immerses the listener in a nearly-two-hour surrealistic and spellbinding experience." (Earsplit)

Yelena’s newest album is not a rendering of early-music tropes in modern jazz feels. Rather, in her writing on this album Yelena synthesizes classical music constructs and her original melodies with the varied rhythmic and stylistic innovations of jazz, fusion, and world music from the 21st century. Beyond this, she invests each moment of the album with her own sense of delight in leading and performing this unique material. (Suzanne Lorge)

Yelena Eckemoff, piano, organ, clavichord, celesta, synthesizer
Riccardo Bertuzzi, electric guitar
Carlo Nicita, soprano, alto, and bass flutes
Eloisa Manera, acoustic and electric violin
Riccardo Oliva, electric bass
Trilok Gurtu, drums, percussion

Recorded in August 2023 at Digitube Studio in Mantua, Italy
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Carlo Cantini