Steve Markoff, alongside flutist Patricia Lazzara and pianist Dave Malyszko, delivers a breathtaking instrumental journey with their June 2025 release, FOR THE WORLD. Building on the success of their 2021 collaboration Romances in Blue, this 19-track album is a masterclass in evocative, genre-defying artistry, blending music from all corners of the world into a tapestry of raw emotion and technical brilliance. Songs were chosen to represent the cultural significance of many different nations. Perhaps this record can help in creating the united world that many of us hope for.
The album opens with “Ashokan Farewell” a track that sets the tone with Lazzara’s flute dancing delicately over Malyszko’s shimmering piano chords. Markoff’s flute weaves in with a warm, almost vocal quality, creating a dialogue that feels like a conversation between old friends. The track’s gentle optimism soothes the listener as worries seem to fade away.
Tracks like “Bang Chhun Hong” and “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” elevate the experience further, with intricate flute harmonies and Malyszko’s deft piano work crafting cinematic soundscapes that evoke longing and quiet strength. The trio’s chemistry is palpable, each note meticulously placed yet brimming with spontaneity.
What sets FOR THE WORLD apart is its ability to convey profound narratives and emotions without lyrics. “El Condor Pasa” channels a sense of wanderlust with its lilting melodies, while “Belarussia” leans into darker, introspective tones, its minor-key progression tugging at the emotions. The production, crisp and unadorned, allows the instruments to breathe, showcasing the duo’s flute mastery—Markoff’s airy, emotive phrasing complements Lazzara’s precise tone. Malyszko’s piano grounds the album, adding warmth and structure. The playful “The Old Years” is another track that showcases the impressive talent of each member of the trio.
FOR THE WORLD is a cohesive journey best experienced in its entirety. As Markoff himself described in a past Indie Band Guru review of Romances in Blue, their music captures “a lump in your throat” nostalgia, and this album amplifies that sentiment, blending joy, sorrow, and hope in equal measure.
For fans of instrumental acts FOR THE WORLD is a must-listen, offering a rich, immersive worldly experience that transcends genre. Steve Markoff, Patricia Lazzara, and Dave Malyszko have crafted an album that’s both a technical showcase and a deeply human exploration of world music in instrumental form. It’s music that doesn’t just play—it resonates, leaving you reflective and uplifted long after the final note fades.
Learn more about Steve Markoff and Patricia Lazzara on their WEBSITE.
