Lucy Fitzgerald 
With their long-awaited fourth album For The World, released June 1, 2025, alto flutist Steve Markoff and flutist and piccolo artist Patricia Lazzara invite listeners on a vibrant, globe-spanning journey. Joined by pianist Dave Malyszko, this 19-track collection beautifully showcases their musical rapport, honed over years since Steve began as Patricia’s student.
From the opening strains of Track 1, “Ashokan Farewell,” the warm tones of flute and alto flute wrap around one another like old friends. Track 2 introduces a subtle change in texture with alto flute gently echoing the melody, while Track 3, “Bang Chhun Hong,” spotlights Lazzara’s solo flute to captivating effect. The four-movement Native American Suite leans on both flutes to evoke its landscape, building into the richly expressive “Belorussia” and the sweeping Canadian Railroad Trilogy, where Steve’s alto flute brings a poignant, resonant lyricism.
Dave Malyszko offers sensitive, supportive piano accents throughout. Never overly aggressive, but always purposeful. When Steve steps forward on “Dreaming in Blue and Yellow,” the alto flute takes center stage with deeply moving elegance. This listener-worthy track strikes a hauntingly beautiful balance between technical finesse and emotional depth.
Traditional favorites like “El Condor Pasa” and “Scarborough Fair” are presented with thoughtful nuance, while the smaller-scale pieces—“My Father is an Appenzeller” and the two-movement Japanese Suite—highlight the delicate interplay between piccolo and alto flute. The “Israeli Folk Suite” returns to Lazzara’s pure tone, playing exclusively flute.
One of the most delightful surprises arrives on “Calikusu,” where both flutists weave two distinct flute lines into an immersive dance. From there, the album’s closing trio of “The Homes of Donegal,” the fiery “Danse Espagnole,” and the heartfelt “I Have a Dream” lead into an intimate finale with “The One That You Love” and the traditional “Shenandoah” all propelled by the duo’s deft phrasing and Malyszko’s evocative chords.
Markoff’s alto flute is consistently described as “formidably expressive,” “heartfelt,” and “poignant,” and this album reinforces those traits masterfully. Lazzara’s credential-rich background—winning major competitions and performing at Carnegie and the Kennedy Center—shines through in her nimble, lyrical flute playing. Meanwhile, Malyszko’s piano provides a flexible canvas, sometimes underpinning and sometimes conversing, adding a welcome harmonic richness.
In my view, For The World stands as a triumphant testament to artistic resilience. The delay caused by Steve’s arm injury only deepened its emotional resonance and the trio has crafted an instrumental tapestry that honors global traditions while celebrating their shared identity.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
