Chrysalis Reviews
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.”
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!”
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
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.”