Olga Amelchenko
HOWLING SILENCE
(Blue LP)
EDITION / EDNLP1274
colLP
Coloured Vinyl
Howling Silence is the powerful new album from Russian and Paris-based saxophonist Olga Amelchenko. Marking a pivotalmoment in her artistic journey, the record embodies the emotional depths of personal struggle and the nuanced complexities ofliving between worlds. Born and raised in Russia, tempered by years in Germany, and now fully immersed in Paris’ vibrant jazzscene, Olga channels her rich cultural heritage and life experiences into a sonic narrative that speaks to both resilience andintrospection.Drawing inspiration from tenor legends such as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Walter Smith III, and Mark Turner, Olga’s intimate,naturally resonant saxophone tone forms the heart of the album. A lush interplay of acoustic and electric elements unfolds aspiano, bass, and drums create a tapestry of sound, each instrument adding its own layer of emotional depth. Long-timecollaborators —previously Berlin, now Paris-based drummer Jesus Vega, dynamic bassist Etienne Renard, both classically andjazz-trained pianist Enzo Carniel, and blues-inflected guest guitarist Matthew Stevens—join Olga on her evocative and personaljourney.Olga’s creative process is a blend of spontaneity and disciplined artistry. Capturing fleeting melodies on her saxophone anddistilling complex emotions into concise, (mostly) “one-page” compositions, every track serves as a chapter in a larger narrativeof struggle, hope, and rebirth. From the commanding opener “Howling Silence” to reflective passages in “Walking Shadows” andthe cathartic surge of “Irreversible,” the album mirrors an odyssey marked by both personal and collective challenges.Howling Silence is a transformative album, a record that gives voice to unspoken truths while inviting audiences to reflect on theinterplay of silence and expression.[info sheet from distr.]