Selected Quotes
"...there is an underlying philosophy that makes melody paramount. Much has been written recently about making jazz more accessible to a broader audience. With Live in Europe , Gunnlaugs proves that jazz can have a wider appeal without losing integrity."
— AllAboutJazz.com [Full review]"impressive newcomer..."
— Village Voice
"Her articulate touch alone should endear her to fans of Evans and Jarrett, as should the intimate and seemingly intuitive rapport sustained by her quartet throughout 'Mindful.' ...elegantly bridges soul-searching passages with uncluttered swing."
— Washington Post [Full review]
"Fine musicians seem to be among Iceland's most visible exports these days, and pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs is proof that jazz is as much a part of the picture as the pop of Björk or Sigur Ros."
— Time Out New York
"a stunning quartet."
— AllAboutJazz.com [Full review]
— Jazziz
"Gunnlaugs may be the best jazz pianist you've never heard"
— Virginian Pilot
"... a pianist with Evans-like tendencies and a rock-solid jazz sensibility. Her compositional sense comes more from Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea than Evans, but the combinations work out well. To call Gunnlaugs a thoughtful player is not faint praise. She thinks, but she swings too."
— Hartford Advocate
"...challenging and enjoyable material. Sunna is a great young musician worth checking out."
— Dave Douglas
"... a distinctive, lyrical pianist, grounded in jazz's swinging tradition but unfettered by it. ...an artist thoroughly immersed in her personal art..."
— Ottawa Citizen
"... a fertile Mindful of compelling ideas."
— CDNow.com
"...an excellent statement of thoughtful, emotionally satisfying jazz, a true find"
— Jazzmatazz
"A subtle storm unfolds and pearls pop through the morning dew"
— Downtown Music Gallery
"This disc of original material showcases her mastery of composition as well as her highly lyrical playing … a tight, talented quartet … fiery, impassioned playing. Mindful is a thoughtful, exciting ensemble disc, fronted by an excellent young pianist and composer."
— Creative Loafing
"...great polish and flow, plus originality..."
— Audiophile Audition [Full review]
"Mindful" is a beautiful piece of work."
— The Jazz Scene [Visit the site]
"This pianist, from Iceland, is beginning to make some noise on the downtown scene"
— Time Out New York
"Blessed with a knack for warm, lyrical expression... Whatever she plays, whether in her mindful original compositions or in her fresh interpretations of standards, her expressive phrasing and classical harmonies sound rooted in some sort of narrative element."
— Hartford Courant
"FAR FAR AWAY is a charming CD. Ms. Gunnlaugsdóttir plays with conviction and swing. The interaction with Scott and Dan is thoughtful and provocative. The trio has an open, transparent sound and a oneness. Repeated listening will be desired."
— Rufus Reid, Bassist
"Listening to each other, providing imaginative shadings, and sensitively handling dynamic levels are obviously priorities for this group."
— Cadence Magazine
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