Listen

Ilya Osachuk - The Answer

Ilya Osachuk - Double Bass

Tyler Henderson - Piano (tracks 1,2,5,8,9)

Donald Vega - Piano (tracks 4,6,7)

Kai Craig - Drums (tracks 1,2,5,8,9)

Billy Drummond - Drums (tracks 4,6,7)

This project is funded in part by FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Ce projet est financé en partie par FACTOR, le gouvernement du Canada et les radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.

Ilya Osachuk's debut album, The Answer, is a beautiful and diverse recording from one of the top new bassists in the North American jazz scene. Though Osachuk's first release, it is a triumph of growth for the young musician, having produced, recorded, composed, and arranged for the album. He has created an album grounded in the jazz tradition while being a unique voice within it.

As a composer, Osachuk's music on this album draws from a rich tapestry of diverse influences and inspirations. He draws from his Ukrainian heritage on Lviv Perspective, his personal growth and introspection on February and The Answer, and his philosophy on Waltz for J. His arrangements pay tribute to his first musical inspirations, including Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Ray Brown, among many others, adding depth and variety to the album.

This album features two incredible piano trios assembled by Osachuk for this recording. First, he is joined by young phenoms Tyler Henderson on piano and Kai Craig on drums (tracks 1,2,5,8,9). Later, he is joined by master musicians and mentors Donald Vega on Piano and Billy Drummond on drums (tracks 4,6,7). On this album, you will hear both trios play in a raw, spontaneous way, striving to uphold the jazz tradition while creating a unique path within it. Both groups play to Osachuk's strengths and truly become greater than the sum of their parts on this recording.

“This album introduces us to a young, gifted composer and musician. Ilya Osachuk breathes new life into the jazz bass.”

Dee Dee McNeil – Making a Scene

“This may be Osachuk's debut, but it is a decided triumph as he finds a path for his deeply rhythmic voice in two excellent line-ups.” ★★★1/2

Neil Duggan – All About Jazz