“The musical space between simplicity and complexity is measured by the saxophonist Jonathan Reisin with his new trio, which includes pianist Shinya Lin and drummer Jarred Chase. The seven compositions - one of which extends over two parts - never reveal what is noted in advance and what is due to the individual design.”
Jazz Thing Magazine, Eric Mandel, 2025
“Reisin’s compositions demand deep listening but guarantee surprising, thought-provoking sonic nuances and compositional discoveries. The two-part, conceptual title piece best demonstrates this resourceful trio’s thoughtful, almost sound-oriented dynamics.” ,
Salt Peanuts, Eyal Hareuveni, 2025
“Reisin, who developed his concept and compositions over two years, confirms himself of a saxist of penetrating focus. This new work should deservedly elevate his musical profile”.
Jazz Trail Magazine, Filipe Freitas, 2025
“Too Good For X Unreality is a work of spacious beauty, an approachable avant-garde dreamscape in seven parts. Anything tagged avant-garde says surprises are coming. The album does not disappoint in that matter. But the surprises fit into a cohesive whole, making sense in their unique way.”
All About Jazz, Dan McClenaghan, 2025
“Once I calmed down a bit, I was able to hear more things going on, the notes as well as the space between them somehow fit nicely together. The sense of restraint here as well as connected fragments is something to marvel at. Leave your expectations behind and just listen quietly.”
Downtown Music Gallery, Bruce Gallanter, 2025
“On Earthquake, Mela collaborates with up-and- coming saxophonist Jonathan Reisin. In this wide-open duo setting, both players get a lot of different sounds out of their instruments. Reisin presents a polished, light-colored sound on both tenor and soprano; his lines have a slippery wildness but never get too edgy. Mela is particularly exuberant here, often boiling over in solo passages. This is a tight duo, following each other in every switch of texture.”
The NYC Jazz Records, Elijah Shiffer, 2023
“While Cuba-born drummer Francisco Mela and Brooklyn-based Israeli Saxophonist Jonathan Reisin came to jazz from different places, their duet album Earthquake shows how they share a sense of tonal openness and spontaneous composition.”
Downbeat Magazine, 2023
“Cuban master drummer Francisco Mela is joined by Brooklyn-based tenor and soprano saxophonist Jonathan Reisin in a format almost inevitably recalling the duos of John Coltrane , notably with Rashied Ali. Earthquake, despite its title , isn’t always as full-on as Coltrane was. “ Shrouded By The Trees”, with Reisin on soprano saxophone , is a mellow interlude. But the long title track recalls Coltrane at his most majestic.”
The Wire Magazine, 2023
“The last piece, “Juka”, is a freer one yet no matter how free it goes, there is a sense of calm or focus at the center. There is something special, a slow-burning fire in the middle of a more tempestuous container. A strong debut from a new Downtown voice.”
Downtown Music Gallery, Bruce Gallanter, 2023
“Aunque “Option B” es el álbum debut de Reisin, su música sugiere un profundo conocimiento de la profesión y sabe, junto a sus colegas, transmitir emociones con suma facilidad.”
La Habitación del Jazz, 2023
“Although Option B is Israeli saxophonist Jonathan Reisin's debut album, its music suggests a much more seasoned artist at work. With lapidary instincts for crafting smart compositions and a beguiling tone on his instrument, Reisin has a convincing sense of purpose, not to mention first-rate colleagues who help him convey his musical message.”
All About Jazz, Troy Dorsett, 2023
“Reisin picks out possible sonorities that, creating intentional ambiguity and surprise, complement each other. Option B, which is dedicated to the saxophonist’s late grandfather, is a most welcome debut.”
Jazz Trail Magazine, Filipe Freitas, 2023
Interviews
WFMU - Music For A Free World with Dave Sewelson - 2025
15 Questions - Interview - 2023