“Wake Up!” showcases his wide-ranging skills and rhythm section’s cohesion…while Vega’s playing on the standards “Indian Summer” and “Speak Low” affirms his maturity as an improviser and his ever-present sense of good taste.”
"The Juilliard Jazz Ensemble balances an original by pianist Donald Vega with a familiar piece by Thelonious Monk. Engineer Mike Konopka, who spent three solid days recording the music on the Waterfront Stage, says these back-to-back pieces from the JJE were two of the best he'd heard all weekend, and WBGO's Rhonda Hamilton selected them as favorites, too." (Click the link to hear the tune, recorded live at the Detroit Jazz Festival.)
“...an exceptionally articulate pianist...Vega’s single most distinctive characteristic is his romantic lyricism.”
“...Throughout the disc, Vega exhibits firm technical command with inventiveness and sensitivity...indeed the pianist's composing and arranging skills are as impressive as his playing...Vega's debut makes a strong impression.”
“Whether performing covers or his own compositions, Vega quickly establishes himself as a pianist in the classic jazz tradition.”
With "Scorpion," the opening chords and connecting right-hand melodies are full of energy, but things really get cooking during Vega's solo.....Great stuff.”
“... His music swings -- he is a wonderful pianist with great chops and imagination...”
“...Your playing [on Tomorrows] is swinging hard!”
“Donald represents all of the best qualities of the next generation of jazz pianists.”
"Donald Vega is one of the most gifted and talented pianists of his generation. On [Tomorrows}, Donald shows a full range of skills with beautiful writing as well as touch and feeling.”
“This documentation of Donald Vega's talent should be heard by all who love good music. I highly recommend [Tomorrows].”
Donald Vega plays with a formidable technique, a rich imagination, and a lot of heart. For my money, a major talent of his generation.