Pianist Gregg Karukas wears many hats, as a composer, producer and keyboardist. His 13th album Serenata features his smooth, emotive solo piano as he nostalgically recalls some favorite 1990s experiences he had touring with internationally celebrated composer and singer Dori Caymmi. To gain a proper perspective of the music for this serenade (Serenata) of subtlety, it’s helpful to know that Gregg Karukas was introduced as a young musician to the lush melodies and harmonies of composer/singer Milton Nascimento, the emotional, plaintive “Voice of Brazil.”  Karukas says he’s only recently analyzed Nascimento’s songs at the piano, so that he’d approach this music with a fresh, unfiltered perspective. Hence, Karukas presents songs like Nascimento’s “Ponta De Areja” and “Travessia” with his own light, unique touch of delicacy and restraint.

Then, one should tune into a piece like “Historia Antiga” written by Dori Caymmi’s father, Dorival, who was one of the most important and influential composers to come from the Bahia region in Brazil’s northeast. Next, I listened carefully to “O Cantador,” written by Dori himself, and whose introspective, gentle pop-jazz was articulate, effective and accessible. Some might think these lyrical melodies are meant to be sung, but Gregg Karukas proves that his keys can vocalize these songs’ messages just as thoughtfully and effectively. If some may elicit feelings of sadness, loneliness or nostalgia, then others like “Tudo O Que Você Podia Ser” and ““Paisagem da Janela” are spirited and playful.

Finally, of special note are Karukas’ own compositions, such as “Sound of Emotion” and “Dori’s Song” that were written when the keyboardist was touring with Caymmi. With elegant taste and expression, his more contemporary compositions for the album include “Serenata,” “Better Days,” “Long Ago,” “Lament,” and “Para Sempre.” Some of his tunes have moments of melancholy but are never somber. During the pandemic, many artists seem to have gotten somewhat isolated and more reflective. Karukas uses such feelings to his advantage to provide us with satisfying music for a contemplative respite from all the exhaustion and stress we’ve experienced. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)