10 October 2025
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In this new album, which is dedicated to her upbringing in Toronto, Canada, Kaushansky is supported by skilled and sensitive musicians
MARIA KAUSHANSKY (piano)
With Paul Gill & Anthony Pinciotti
Northbound to Finch
Flat 6th Records FS-1001
Album release date: 17 October 2025
This is jazz pianist Maria Kaushansky’s debut album, a tribute to her upbringing in Toronto, Canada. The title draws its inspiration from Toronto’s subway system; Finch Station being Kaushanksy’s home stop.
Kaushansky is joined on the album by Paul Gill on bass and Anthony Pinciotti, who sadly died last year just weeks after the album was recorded, on drums. Both sidemen are skilled and sensitive musicians who instinctively know when to support and when to push the music. Few art forms divide opinion like jazz, and whether you like Kaushanksy’s music will depend where you sit on the fence. Her playing is light and mellifluous and the 15 pieces, which include alternative takes, easy on the ear.
Among the highlights the title track is a simple improvisation based around broken chords and familiar jazz inflections. Windchill - 30 has more bite and So Long Centerpoint Mall features extended solos, which are welcome. In Four One Six, Kaushansky at last allows herself to loosen up.
John Evans