# CD review: Sophia Smith Quartet – Elevation 2020: Video, CD cover

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2020/06/25/cd-review-sophia-smith-quartet-elevation-2020-video-cd-cover/
- Published: 2020-06-25T12:27:27+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Initially from St. Thomas but now based in Toronto, Canada, saxophonist, composer
and educator Sophia Smith has formed her own modern jazz ensemble, The Sophia Smith
Quartet, showcasing her original compositions. Her work has been compared to that
of saxophonists Kenny Garrett and Chris Potter, and guitarist Pat Metheny. **

This album reflects her recent experience within the Toronto music scene. In addition
to her own quartet, Smith is a member of the Dennis Kwok Jazz Orchestra and the 
Backtrack Band.
 Formed in 2017, this quartet represents a wide and diverse group
of musicians from around the globe, giving Elevation a broad span of influences.
These include Iranian-Canadian pianist, Amir Mehrabi and Indian drummer, Agneya 
Chikte.

The quartet combines a concoction of traditional jazz approaches with modern techniques
resulting in dense harmony and fetching melodies.

The opening track to Elevation is titled “Bright,” perhaps in recognition to her
tone. Smith delivers a catchy melody both composed and played with clear passion,
channelling a folk-like influence. “Nocturne,” as one might expect, is an elegant
feature capturing the sparkle of a night sky. Its unified introduction is brilliantly
executed and proceeds with a faded outro.

The title track, “Elevation,” welcomes the guest appearance of tenor saxophonist
Kyle Tarder-Stoll, performing alongside Smith, harmonising beautiful elongated lines
before demonstrating an intimate and expressive solo. The piece concludes with a
conversation between the two saxophonists trading ideas.

The inevitable ballad to be presented on this album, “Dreams of My Past,” is a great
insight to the sound of Smith as she experiments with range and contour. Her own
chord progressions are filled with extensive harmony and colour providing a difficult
platform to perform on; but they are executed admirably. Rounded off with a moving
cadenza, this track is particularly noteworthy.

Elevation captures the essence of modern jazz in the mindset of a talented and exciting
new prospect that is Sophia Smith.

01. Bright
 02. Meraki 03. Nocturne 04. Elevation (feat. Kyle Tarder-Stoll) 05. 
Dreams of My Past 06. Outlander 07. What I’m Looking For 08. Ultramarine

**Sophia Smith – Alto Saxophone**
 **Amir Mehrabi – Piano** **Sam Fitzpatrick – 
Bass** **Agneya Chikte – Drums**

![Elevation | Sophia Smith Quartet](https://i0.wp.com/f4.bcbits.com/img/a1091540766_10.
jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

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