Nic Vardanega : New Beginning Review

by Steven Miller

Nic Vardanega’s New Beginning is a solid project by an Australian-born guitarist and composer, now a seasoned New Yorker. The album consists of eight of his compositions that explores personal and universal themes of renewal and growth. Performed as a trio with Ben Allison on bass and Allan Mednard on drums, Vardanega’s third album delves into the essence of guitar, bass, and drum trios, a format that has long inspired him.

The album opens with the title track, a vibrant piece that showcases Vardanega’s adept melodic lines and intricate chordal structures. The Latin-infused rhythms and rich textures by Allison and Mednard give Vardanega a setting to express his fluid guitar style. Reflecting the theme of fresh starts and new opportunities. Vardanega’s solo establishes his narrative approach to improvisation.

Following the lively opener, “Cardenas” presents a more deliberate and methodical rhythm. The interplay between Vardanega’s guitar and Mednard cymbal patterns creates a grounded yet dynamic atmosphere. The trio has a strong chemistry, and the straight eight feel is excellent, making this track a standout for its textures and flow, with a relaxed fusion energy.

“Side Effects” is a groove-based composition that showcases Vardanega’s technical prowess and expressive depth. His guitar effortlessly navigates intricate harmonies, supported by Allison’s steady bass and Mednard’s responsive drumming. The trio’s cohesive interaction transforms this track into a rich, layered experience, seamlessly blending folk jazz with contemporary jazz.

Soulful and cinematic, “Looking Back” offers a reflective narrative where Vardanega’s guitar sings with emotional clarity, capturing the essence of retrospection. The trio’s empathy shines through, with Allison and Mednard providing a supportive yet intricate backdrop that elevates Vardanega’s melodic storytelling. His ability to maintain both accompaniment and melody simultaneously throughout this feel-good composition is exceptional.

A playful and forthright piece, “Inner Episode” is filled with harmonic colors and rhythmic interplay. Inspired by Joe Henderson’s “Inner Urge,” this track demonstrates Vardanega’s ability to blend modern jazz vocabulary with traditional influences. His warm guitar tone, articulate phrasing, and the trio’s buoyant swing create a compelling contemporary jazz performance.

“Glass Moon” introduces a richly engaging rhythmic structure, blending folk influences with contemporary jazz elements. Vardanega’s nuanced guitar work is at its best here, creating different atmospheres with his chordal playing and lyrical single notes.

Upbeat and vibrant, “Summers” injects a dash of rock energy into the album. Mednard’s driving pulse and Allison’s grounding bass create a lively backdrop for Vardanega’s expressive guitar lines. The trio’s dynamic interplay and rhythmic complexity provide a refreshing variation in the program, allowing each player to shine in a fresh setting. Vardanega’s playing takes on a more bluesy angle for his expressive solo, showcasing another facet of his musicianship.

Closing the album with languishing beauty, “M’s Lullaby” is a tender and reflective piece. Vardanega’s guitar gently sings, conveying a sense of calm and comfort. The trio’s subtle and empathetic interaction enhances the lullaby’s serene folk jazz mood, making it a fitting end to the album’s emotional journey.

New Beginning reflects Vardanega’s life transitions, including his recent fatherhood and the universal themes of renewal post-pandemic. The trio format allows for a nuanced and personal expression, with each musician contributing to a cohesive and dynamic sound. Vardanega’s technical mastery and compositional prowess are evident throughout the album, as he effortlessly navigates complex rhythms and melodies. The album’s production quality is top-notch, recorded at Big Orange Sheep in Brooklyn, New York, on May 18, 2022, and engineered, mixed, and mastered by Michael Perez-Cisneros.

New Beginning adds a distinctive voice to the jazz guitar trio canon, blending Australian and American folk influences with modern contemporary jazz sounds. Vardanega’s compositions are honest and personal, enriched by the rapport and versatility of his collaboration with Allison and Mednard. New Beginning is a tasteful and exciting listen, showcasing Vardanega’s musical identity and the trio’s cohesive interplay through masterful compositions and performances.