NYC-based pianist Maria Kaushansky will release her wistful debut album, Northbound to Finch, later this fall on October 17.
Northbound to Finch is a stirring tribute to Kaushansky’s upbringing in Toronto after immigrating from Russia as a young girl. Northbound to Finch also honors drummer Anthony Pinciotti, who unexpectedly passed away last December. Pinciotti was a close friend of Kaushansky who played on the record. Kaushansky also collaborated with jazz veteran guitarist Paul Gill on bass.
Northbound to Finch comprises 15 tracks, with nine main tracks and six alternate takes that all tell the deeply personal story of Kaushansky’s upbringing in Toronto. The album’s title is inspired by Finch Station, the subway station that was Kaushansky’s home stop in Toronto, serving as a metaphor for her return home through music.
The album’s title track is effortlessly bright. Kaushansky’s playing is silky smooth with a crystal clear tone. “Northbound to Finch” starts off simply but gradually evolves into a more complicated composition with thrilling runs from Kaushansky and powerful, but not overwhelming, drums from Pinciotti. “Northbound to Finch” imbues a pulling feeling of wistfulness that continues on throughout the rest of the tracks; an everlasting remembrance that the album carries the theme of the love and fondness for home.
“So Long Centerpoint Mall” is a more mellow track. Gill’s bass shines in the spotlight with a brief riff-heavy interlude with Kaushansky continuing to play only slightly in the background. Kaushansky slides back into focus inspiring a strong sense of nostalgia into “So Long Centerpoint Mall”, as Pinciotti’s crisp drums set the tone. Kaushansky’s sound grows from dulcet to deeply impassioned, reaching a new level of intensity before smoothly transitioning back into the sweet, melodic heart of “So Long Centerpoint Mall”.
“St. Clair” is a standout track on Northbound to Finch, starting with a drum solo from Pinciotti. Kaushansky folds in with a warm, passionate rhythm that is hypnotically repetitive. The composition of “St. Clair” demonstrates many musical peaks and valleys that keep the track’s true intentions cleverly and entertainingly unclear. On “St. Clair”, Kaushansky’s piano, Pinciotti’s drums and Gill’s bass meld to create a freely unified sound that only increases in intensity as the track carries on.
Northbound to Finch comes to a sentimental close with “Four One Six”. Titled after the area code for Toronto, “Four One Six” shows Kaushansky’s playing at a level knocking on the door of mastery. “Four One Six” is a delightfully spirited track that is unafraid to delve into many areas of sound. All throughout, Pinciotti and Gill instrumentals provide a smooth foundation for Kaushansky’s playing to take center stage and shine brightly, showcasing Kaushansky’s wide variety of piano techniques in a playful but clearly intentional manner.
As a longtime accompanist for various ballet dancers and companies, including the prestigious Julliard school, Kaushansky will also be releasing a companion ballet album titled Northbound to Finch – Music for Ballet Class. This version of the album will feature the same songs but will be adapted for ballet exercises.
Maria Kaushansky’s debut album Northbound to Finch will be available for pre-save on September 12.
To keep up with Maria Kaushansky ahead of the release of Northbound to Finch, visit here.
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