Justin Kauflin

"What gives the American pianist Justin Kauflin another edge over his rivals is the soulfulness of his repertoire... this is a musician who wants to do more than make you admire his virtuosity" -The Times review of Justin Kauflin Trio at Ronnie Scotts, London

"His compositions radiate an honesty and passion that are only shadowed by his spirit...Humble as he may be, dude can play" - Paul Nassar, Revive Magazine

"His playing is not just precise technically but absolutely crystalline in execution, and he holds nothing back intellectually..." -Jazz in Europe review of "Synesthesia"

"Definitely one of the best piano trio albums around this year...Revelling in writing highly involving tunes whether anthemic (B-Dub) or tuggingly heartfelt (No Matter)...or the ability to be SO natural on For Clark, dedicated to mentor Clark Terry." -Stephen Graham, Marlbank

"...rich in dynamic detail and showed off his cogent mix influences that ranged from buoyant swing to elongated Jarrett-esque lines, the odd hip hop nod to Robert Glasper, Bill Evans was in there too...Kauflin is clearly in possession of a vast reserve of free flowing musicianship" -Jazzwise

"Kauflin's dozen originals sparkle consistently with the sounds of exhilaration and religious devotion

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"What gives the American pianist Justin Kauflin another edge over his rivals is the soulfulness of his repertoire... this is a musician who wants to do more than make you admire his virtuosity" -The Times review of Justin Kauflin Trio at Ronnie Scotts, London

"His compositions radiate an honesty and passion that are only shadowed by his spirit...Humble as he may be, dude can play" - Paul Nassar, Revive Magazine

"His playing is not just precise technically but absolutely crystalline in execution, and he holds nothing back intellectually..." -Jazz in Europe review of "Synesthesia"

"Definitely one of the best piano trio albums around this year...Revelling in writing highly involving tunes whether anthemic (B-Dub) or tuggingly heartfelt (No Matter)...or the ability to be SO natural on For Clark, dedicated to mentor Clark Terry." -Stephen Graham, Marlbank

"...rich in dynamic detail and showed off his cogent mix influences that ranged from buoyant swing to elongated Jarrett-esque lines, the odd hip hop nod to Robert Glasper, Bill Evans was in there too...Kauflin is clearly in possession of a vast reserve of free flowing musicianship" -Jazzwise

"Kauflin's dozen originals sparkle consistently with the sounds of exhilaration and religious devotion. The bulk are jubilant and modern with accessible melodies tied to rich harmonic grids and uplifting vibes..." -Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen

"it is impossible not to hear Terry’s influence... But the album is far from derivative. Rather than merely copy the style of his mentor and friend, Kauflin develops a voice all his own. It is a voice that is mature, distinct and confident."-Brian Zimmerman, DownBeat Magazine

"As a pianist, Mr. Justin Kauflin, 28, favors a clarity of touch and ideas, rarely spinning into an orbit he can’t control. His writing is also balanced, tempering post-bop intricacies with the assurances of the gospel church." - Nate Chinen, NY Times

"At the center of the album is a three-part suite, “Epiphany”, “Tempest” and “No Matter”, inspired by Kauflin’s deep Catholic faith...These are joyous works, containing some of Kauflin’s most exuberant playing on the album, and are personal reflections rather than incantations to join the flock." - Thomas Cunniffe, Jazz History Online

"Dedication is a testament to sheer brilliance of technique and unbridled imagination...The pianism here is mature, poised and absolutely flawless. Mr. Kauflin plays with such effortless control of lyrical line and rhythm."-Raul da Gama, World Music Report

"This record shows sign of maturity, solid composition and a powerful understanding of jazz as a form of expression." -Brian Bloom, Audiophile Audition

"Kauflin's technical skills and sure touch are apparent from the disc's opening notes, as are his skills as a composer. Kauflin shows a firm understanding of the importance of dynamics in creating drama and excitement" -Joseph Taylor, SoundStage!

"The 12 Kauflin originals on display here are mainstream and melodic, reflective and spacious, with blues and Americana influences; he uses the clean, disciplined arrangements as a springboard for some serious soloing. His classical training is apparent in his delicate touch, clear articulation, and his ability to unspool long, graceful, improvised melodic lines." -Allen Morrison, Jazz Times

"If in the documentary Justin Kauflin is portrayed as something of a work in progress, with Dedication he clearly demonstrates that work is close to completion...Kauflin’s sensitive playing gives his music a transcendent calm that is transformative at its best...he can show off when he wants to [but] he puts those technical skills to work in the service of the music." - 4 1/2 Stars, Jack Goodstein, Blogcritics

"Twelve original tunes...take the listener from hushed tones to tempos ablaze, showing a generous degree of skill, maturity and creativity in the spaces between the notes." -WBGO

"What comes through, in the end, is Kauflin’s deep humanity and love—his love for God... family... music...and perhaps, above all, his love for Terry— surely one of the most inspiring and generous jazz musicians in history" - Tom Robotham, VEER magazine

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