Shades of Elegance is a six-track EP by Dimitri K. that features South African saxophonist Karén Devroop as well as a group of very impressive back-up musicians from all over the world including one of my favorite guitarists, Russ Hewitt, on two tracks. Dimitri K. composed, arranged, edited and programmed the music and also plays bass guitar, piano and drums on some of the tracks. Devroop carries the lead in all of the pieces, but each of the artists gets a chance to shine! It is nearly impossible to put the six tracks into a single musical genre or category, but there is a very pleasant mix of jazz, smooth jazz, pop, and new age that is both soothing and invigorating. All six pieces are on the slower side and are very suitable for background music, but the music really needs to be savored with close attention to fully appreciate the beauty and nuances in the music. I also have to say that it’s been awhile since I’ve heard such deeply expressive sax playing - what an amazing artist Karén Devroop is! I look forward to hearing more of his music!

Shades of Elegance begins with the title track, a beautiful smooth jazz ballad that features sax (Devroop), piano (Charu Suri), guitar (Van Galen), bass guitar (Joseph Patrick Moore), drums (Jeffrey Stern), and oboe (Jammie Strefeler). Devroop’s sax takes the lead for most of the piece, but everyone has a chance to solo! A soulful slow dance or a little bit of musical heaven, it’s a great start! “Set of Emotions” is also slow and deeply poignant with Devroop in the lead along with John Giannone on piano, Van Galen on guitar and drums, and Dimitri K. on bass guitar. Love it! “The Lost Gardens” expresses feelings of tragic loss and deep sadness wth Devroop in the lead along with Alvin L. Giles on piano, Van Galen’s passionate guitar, and Dimitri K. on drums - stunningly beautiful and deeply heartfelt! “The Eloquence of Glance” has a very European flavor, thanks in part to Zupe’s accordion in addition to Devroop’s sax, Giannone’s piano, Galen’s guitar, and Joseph Patrick Moore’s bass guitar support and eloquent solo, plus Jeffrey Stern’s drums. The music makes me think of taking a walk in the woods or out in the country where life is simpler and much slower. “Stone Beach” seems tinged with sadness and, perhaps, a certain degree of regret. Devroop’s sax speaks volumes without using any words, backed by Giannone on piano, Russ Hewitt on guitar, Tess Remy-Schumacher on cello, and Lloyd Haber on drums. “Cross Atlantic” brings the album to a soulful close with Devroop, Vivian Fang Liu on piano, Hewitt on guitar, Moore on bass, Remy-Schumacher on cello, and Stern on drums. Very poignant and tinged with sadness, it could be about a difficult goodbye to a beloved person or place, but the deep emotion comes across beautifully.

Ahhhh, what a great album! Shades of Elegance is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Very highly recommended!