In Kyiv, Ukraine, saxophonist and composer Carlo Muscat, originally from Malta, unveils his latest album, The Body Is Only Light. This evocative work stands as a testament to the country’s unyielding spirit in the face of invasion and ongoing hardship. Set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with the realities of war, each track captures a distinct emotion—strength, resilience, determination, and hope. The album’s title also carries a symbolic weight, evoking an ethereal force that transcends boundaries and resonates with the endurance of a people determined to survive and thrive.
Muscat’s music is brought vividly to life by a powerful Ukrainian rhythm section. Bassist Kostiantyn Ionenko and drummer Dmytro Lytvynenko provide a firm yet fluid foundation, offering both intensity and subtlety that mirror the complexities of life in a country under siege. The trio functions as more than a conventional jazz ensemble; their interactions create a narrative thread, where freedom of expression and improvisational dialogue mirror the liberty sought by a nation facing extraordinary challenges. Every note, every rhythm, and every melodic contour tells a story, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a sonic landscape that balances tension with release, darkness with light.
This album is not only a personal statement from Muscat but also a cultural reflection. The music conveys hope, courage, and unity, reminding listeners of the power of art to transcend boundaries. It captures the dualities of life in wartime Ukraine—the fragility and the strength, the uncertainty and the persistence, the sorrow and the celebration of human endurance. Muscat’s compositions blend jazz improvisation with emotional storytelling, creating a deeply moving experience that connects on a universal level.
For promoters, venues, and audiences alike, The Body Is Only Light offers more than music—it presents a story of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. It is a call to witness and engage with the transformative power of sound, a living testament to the courage, spirit, and enduring beauty of the human experience.
Carlo Muscat – saxophone
Kostiantyn Ionenko – double bass
Dmytro Lytvynenko – drums