Press Quotes
Chrysalis Reviews (2023)
Jazz In Europe
https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2023/12/cd-review-mike-de-souza-chrysalis/
“Together, they form a quintet that embarks on a sonic journey through extended guitar-led compositions, expertly navigating a diverse range of musical moods and landscapes, enriched by the captivating and virtuosic improvisations of some of London’s most esteemed musicians.”
The Jazz Mann
★★★★
https://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/review/mike-de-souza-chrysalis
“the writing is intelligent and varied and De Souza impresses as a composer, arranger and orchestrator. He exhibits an impressive command of colour, texture and dynamics, and most importantly melody. ”
Marlbank
★★★★
https://www.marlbank.net/posts/mike-de-souza-chrysalis-fresh-sound-new-talent
“It's great to see Spanish label Fresh Sound New Talent bring UK artists to the label like De Souza and certainly the results here reward their faith in this fine guitarist whose sound should appeal most to anyone into the late great John Abercrombie or Pat Metheny.”
UK Vibe
★★★★
https://ukvibe.org/album_reviews/mike-de-souza/
““Chrysalis” is an album of varying moods and atmospheres, with well-crafted musical landscapes that allow the quintet to collaborate intuitively with some excellent soloing and interplay. This is a strong album from Mike De Souza, with much to enjoy.”
BBC Radio 3. ‘Round Midnight. 15/07/2024
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0020yk0
“There’s such considered sound design. Every bar seems to open out into a new world” - Soweto Kinch
Jazzwise
★★★
Feb 2024 issue of Jazzwise Magazine
“An impressive next step for this burgeoning guitar talent”
Blue In Green Radio
“De Souza unveils a stunning piece of work that incredibly found its life out of the bleakest of circumstances”
Jazz Views
https://jazzviews.net/mike-de-souza-chrysalis/
“anyone with a penchant for jazz guitar would do well to checkout both this album and Mike De Souza in concert”
All About Jazz
★★★★
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/chrysalis-mike-de-souza-fresh-sound-records
“The range of moods and soundscapes created is striking. De Souza's playing is always absorbing and engaging, making this an easy album to recommend.”
Jazz Journal
https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2024/03/15/mike-de-souza-chrysalis/
“a masterly example of lyricism…the guitar work here is highly impressive”
DPRP
9/10
https://www.dprp.net/reviews/2024/015#de-souza
“Mike De Souza's latest project is highly recommended. It’s fresh, it’s compelling, it’s majestic melodies are absolutely beautiful…I adore it!”
Textura
https://www.textura.org/archives/d/desouza_chrysalis.htm
“As a player, De Souza makes a strong impression, but so too do his partners. Fans of contemporary jazz quintet interplay and adventurous electric guitar expression should find much to like about Chrysalis.”
RGM
https://rgm.press/we-review-the-new-album-from-mike-de-souza-chrysalis/review/review-review/
“Then is time for my favorite track, “Paper Plane Pilot”. The song takes off with a captivating guitar riff and is a perfect example of de Souza’s exceptional guitar skills.”
PRESS QUOTES FOR ‘SLOW BURN’ 2019
The Jazz Mann ★★★★
“an impressive début…the writing is intelligent and multi-faceted with the trio embracing a variety of moods and musical styles.”
All About Jazz ★★★½
“Slow Burn is an impressive show of musical innovation and displays the guitarist’s knack for experimentation as much as his roots in jazz tradition.”
London Jazz News
“Each composition has a twist to it that comes unexpectedly and invents a story for the listener.”
Jazzwise ★★★
“De Souza is an engaging and creative improviser, and a clever composer. I especially like his use of groove games and subtle rhythmic shifts. It makes his music feel as though it’s constantly evolving.”
DPRP (9.5/10)
“I am just simply bewitched, smitten and full of enthusiastic ardour for Slow Burn… This album is able to thaw my inner thoughts and reach parts of me that have been frozen for years.”
Other Quotes…
York Calling. Review of Di-Cysgodion gig. 5.2.26
“De Souza is a brilliantly expressive player. His guitar articulates his focus, intensity, and passion through each lick, adding to the effectiveness of the overall storytelling.”