Review: Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi - Whispers Of Rain (Live)

It was only a couple of years ago that Alina Bzhezhinska told us, "Thanks! You got us, totally."  Well, with this new live combo with Tony Kofi and Tulshi, I think we can return he favour and say the same - spiritual soul-jazz totally!

The combination of Alina & Tulshi's 'Whispers Of Rain' (see review HERE) and with Tony Kofi, 'Anima' (see review HERE), this is 7 track album coming out the day before their live 'presentation' at the Vortex Jazz Club tomorrow (7th March) must make it the hottest ticket in (London) town!

And this "re-imagined live" album of the previous studio album, co-written with Ibiza-based producer Tulshi is more intense sense of emotion that comes from the depth of the seven tracks as "captured in an intimate live setting, this record is shaped by the unique chemistry between two master improvisers".

I wouldn't like to highlight any track being better than another (OK. then, twist my arm, the title track, 'Across The Sea' and 'Warm Days, Cold Nights') as Alina and Tony seem to be such a perfect match as their mastery of the harp and sax reflect so beautifully titles like 'Whispers Of Rain', 'Across The Sea' and 'Warm Days, Cold Nights'.

So, whether you can see them live on the forthcoming tour or not, this is a must have album; and have a safe 'Journey Home'!

Live Dates

10/02/2026 Altera Vita, Italy Tour
26/02/2026 2 Day Altera Vita Duo, Live Recording @ NDR Hamburg, Germany
07/03/2026 Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi @ Vortex Jazz Club, London
13/03/2026 Alina Bzhezhinska Trio @ B:Music Birmingham
2/05/2026 HipHarpCollective @ Bray International Jazz Festival, Ireland
28/05/2026 Alter Vita Trio @ Epsom Jazz Club
25-27/09/2026 HipHarpCollective @ Scarborough Jazz Festival

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Whispers of Rain (Live) | Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi | AlinaHipHarp

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi 

Title: Whispers of Rain (Live)

Release date: 6th March, 2026

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : TRU482D 

Format: Digital Bandcamp  

Review: Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi - Altera Vita (BBE Music)

Alina Bzhezhinska (Harpist) "Thanks! You got us, totally." 

So was the feedback from Alina herself to the YATM review for the single, 'Anima' 

(see review HERE) so what can we possibly say of the album, 'Altera Vita'?

Well I'm pleased to say it's more of the same but with an intensified sense of emotion that comes from the depth of the six tracks. 

Coming at the same time as the Alice Coltrane "never before released album", 'The Carnegie Hall Concert' that featured John's band (with Pharoah Sanders) in 1971, this is like a primer for spiritual jazz as a sax/harp duo that has been said to be a homage to Sanders [& Alice]. 

And that really doesn't do them justice for tracks, like 'Tu Vides - You See' as they can do their own astral traveling to a higher creator's master plan.  And, in truth, all tracks are as deep as Carlos Nino's teamwork with Surya Botofasina (see review HERE) as this harp/sax duo are aided with the pecussion of Muriel Grossman that adds that provides the journey in Satchidananda atmosphere.

Sanders' once said, “I Just Have To Make Sure I Mean Every Note…” and that comes through every second of 'Altera Vita' and is a worthy follow-up to their highly aclaimed previous incarnation of Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective.

This incredibly beautiful album is a tribute to all that have gone before us and a brilliant way to mark Tony's 60th year on the planet! All jazz fans need this, it's the essence... now breathe!

P.S. Did I ever tell you the story how I was involved in making Mr. Sanders late for his gig at the Big Chill; another time.

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi 

Title: Altera Vita 

Release date: 5th April, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE779

Format: Vinyl LP / CD / Digital Bandcamp  

Reveiw: Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi - Anima (BBE Music)

It's unusual for BBE to release a stand-alone digital single, but you'll soon see why on the first listen to 'Anima' they have this time.

Lots of hip-hoppy jazz spiritual harp ambience going on at the moment, but Alina Bzhezhinska with Tony Kofi on sax must be close to the ultimate with this single.

We know Alina from her album 'Reflections' and the remix of 'Fire' (see review HERE) whilst Tony made his name with the UK jazz explosion that saw him as a main stay playing with the Jazz Warriors and moving on to the equally influencial Gary Crosby's Nu Tropp.

There's six track album by the pair called 'Altera Vita' is coming out soon and in the meantime, lets breath with this: guaranteed it'll get pick up for cinematic/TV use and QiGung/Tai Chi approved jazz.

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi 

Title: Anima

Release date: 9th February, 2024

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE779SDG

Format: Digital