Aakash Sridhar has a knack for finding magic in the ordinary. For him, every day is a collection of melodies: the sound of rain, laughter on the street, the rustle of newspapers in a café. He channels it all into jazz that speaks to the soul. His new album, Revived Emotions, is set for release on January 31 and features six original compositions with jazz undertones that gently suggest it’s time to pause the routine and see the world from a different perspective.

photo by Jose Negrete

A remarkable team contributed to the recording. At Crystal Clear Sound studio in Dallas, Andrew Getman (guitar), Joshua Ferrell (drums), and Adam Abrams (double bass) brought a certain magic to the sessions, creating a sound that is genuinely vibrant and focused. The mixing was handled by Kent Stump, with mastering entrusted to Kevin Blackler in New York.

I had the privilege of listening to the album ahead of its release, and I must admit that each of the six pieces has something uniquely captivating. Aakash Sridhar lays out fragments of his everyday life, from a morning cup of coffee to the quiet twilight in a bustling city. Each composition evokes a fresh emotion that gently shifts the mood—sometimes prompting a squint and a smile, other times encouraging deeper reflection. Yet the music maintains a lively spirit of improvisation, making even the most serene track feel like a vibrant conversation between instruments.

The beauty of this record lies in its ability to inspire confidence: even on a cloudy day, it offers a good reason to pause, play the album, and immerse yourself in a world painted with genuine jazz sounds. Sometimes, moments like these help us rediscover something new in the ordinary—and to me, that’s the core idea of Revived Emotions.

Reflections Of Yesterday opens the album with a compelling rhythmic pattern, where the dynamic energy of the piece transitions seamlessly into a guitar solo. The keys add a sense of lightness to the sound, creating a contrast between swirling melodies and their smooth, steady flow. It feels like the start of a workday morning—full of anticipation and routine, with the protagonist contemplating the familiar hustle. Through a musical lens, even the mundane finds a newfound beauty.

Sunsets plays like a soothing lullaby. The melody unfolds slowly and harmoniously, allowing each instrument to complement the others. The lightness of the keys and the gentle rhythm paint a picture of early morning—a lazy yet serene awakening as the first rays of sunlight barely touch the horizon, inviting you to stretch and breathe.

photo by Jose Negrete

My Home is a track about comfort, warmth, and inner peace. It begins with tender piano notes hovering over a steady, measured rhythm. Each beat melds gradually into the next, evoking a sense of cozy contentment. At the same time, the subtly commercial tone in the keys adds a layer of intrigue. Aakash masterfully balances melodic complexity with the simplicity of emotional expression, making his music so compelling that even the most intricate notes resonate deeply.

Stop Chasing is a breath of fresh air at the midpoint of the album. Brimming with vibrant energy, the track invites you to savor the moment. It’s light, playful, and inspiring, carrying a spark that serves as a reminder of life’s endless possibilities. Here, Aakash offers listeners a message: “Allow yourself to shine, even when surrounded by chaos.”

Revival closes the album with magical softness. A purely piano-driven composition, it radiates sincerity. The live sound gives it an intimate feel, as if the musician is playing just for you in the room. It embodies silence, serenity, and acceptance of change. Revival is a perfect conclusion, leaving the listener alone with their thoughts and ready to embrace something new.

Each track on Revived Emotions seems to live a life of its own, yet together they form a remarkably cohesive story that resonates not just in the ears but deep within. The album flows effortlessly, allowing every second to be savored. What makes it stand out is the universality of its stories: mornings accompanied by the cool rhythm of rain, hurried commutes to work or school, or those rare, quiet moments when we pause to catch our breath. If you listen closely, behind the delicate piano parts and vintage jazz tones, there’s an unseen force that gently reminds us—there’s always a spark of inspiration in the everyday; we just need to notice it. Revived Emotions offers a chance to hear your own story, as seen through someone else’s eyes.

The release is scheduled for January 31. For many, it might be a busy day, but it’s worth setting aside a few minutes to mark Revived Emotions on your calendar.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub