Itai Kriss ‘Daybreak’ LP/CD (Jojo) 4/5

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Itai Kriss’s latest album, “Daybreak”, is a luminous testament to the flautist’s vision of the instrument as a commanding voice in contemporary jazz. Known for his eclectic fusion of jazz, Latin, and Middle Eastern influences, Kriss embarks on a sonic journey that mirrors the natural progression of a day, from dawn to dusk, in a very warm, engaging and stylish way.The twelve tracks on this mesmerising recording really do convey the heart and soul of what Kriss is attempting to convey. His graceful playing perfectly captures the combined essence of jazz, gospel, and particularly Brazilian music. Joined by Adam Birnbaum on piano, Luke Sellick on bass and the late Anthony Pinciotti (to whom the album is dedicated) on drums, plus guests Benny Benack III on trumpet and Yotam Silberstein on guitar, the music performed enjoys a rare elegance and grace – from all of the musicians involved.
The album unfolds with the title track, “Daybreak,” capturing the serenity of dawn through Kriss’s expressive flute melodies. As the day advances, tracks like “Drivin’” infuse the energy of a morning rush hour with assertive trumpet lines and dynamic percussive rhythms. “O Jardim” offers a gentle samba duet between Kriss and bassist Sellick, evoking a tranquil stroll through a hazy, sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro. The mood shifts with “Uphill,” where a percussive outpouring transitions into soulful piano expressions by Adam Birnbaum, reflecting the day’s challenges. “Upfront” propels the listener into an afternoon surge of post-bop energy, while “Sunday Lemonade” channels the spirit of a gospel revival, with Kriss and Benack engaging in a spirited musical dialogue. The infectious “Beleza” bursts forth with a vibrant Brazilian samba, with the album closer “In the Light,” a gospel-infused finale that underscores Kriss’s mission to elevate the flute’s role in jazz.
The versatility of this group is stunning. This combined with superb compositions and masterful playing from the flautist himself, makes for a very enjoyable and rewarding listen. I love the music’s honesty, integrity, and emotive strength, all of which help make “Daybreak” the excellent album it is. Kriss has managed to skilfully blend diverse musical influences into a unified artistic statement. This album not only honours the day’s journey but also celebrates the flute’s rightful prominence in jazz’s continually evolving story. This is an album well worth checking out.
Mike Gates
from https://ukvibe.org

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snobb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Forum Admin Group Site Admin Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Location: Vilnius Status: Offline Points: 30738	Post Options Post Reply Quote snobb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Itai Kriss ‘Daybreak’ LP/CD (Jojo) 4/5 Posted: 31 May 2025 at 9:39am
	Itai Kriss’s latest album, “Daybreak”, is a luminous testament to the flautist’s vision of the instrument as a commanding voice in contemporary jazz. Known for his eclectic fusion of jazz, Latin, and Middle Eastern influences, Kriss embarks on a sonic journey that mirrors the natural progression of a day, from dawn to dusk, in a very warm, engaging and stylish way. The twelve tracks on this mesmerising recording really do convey the heart and soul of what Kriss is attempting to convey. His graceful playing perfectly captures the combined essence of jazz, gospel, and particularly Brazilian music. Joined by Adam Birnbaum on piano, Luke Sellick on bass and the late Anthony Pinciotti (to whom the album is dedicated) on drums, plus guests Benny Benack III on trumpet and Yotam Silberstein on guitar, the music performed enjoys a rare elegance and grace – from all of the musicians involved. The album unfolds with the title track, “Daybreak,” capturing the serenity of dawn through Kriss’s expressive flute melodies. As the day advances, tracks like “Drivin’” infuse the energy of a morning rush hour with assertive trumpet lines and dynamic percussive rhythms. “O Jardim” offers a gentle samba duet between Kriss and bassist Sellick, evoking a tranquil stroll through a hazy, sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro. The mood shifts with “Uphill,” where a percussive outpouring transitions into soulful piano expressions by Adam Birnbaum, reflecting the day’s challenges. “Upfront” propels the listener into an afternoon surge of post-bop energy, while “Sunday Lemonade” channels the spirit of a gospel revival, with Kriss and Benack engaging in a spirited musical dialogue. The infectious “Beleza” bursts forth with a vibrant Brazilian samba, with the album closer “In the Light,” a gospel-infused finale that underscores Kriss’s mission to elevate the flute’s role in jazz. The versatility of this group is stunning. This combined with superb compositions and masterful playing from the flautist himself, makes for a very enjoyable and rewarding listen. I love the music’s honesty, integrity, and emotive strength, all of which help make “Daybreak” the excellent album it is. Kriss has managed to skilfully blend diverse musical influences into a unified artistic statement. This album not only honours the day’s journey but also celebrates the flute’s rightful prominence in jazz’s continually evolving story. This is an album well worth checking out. Mike Gates from https://ukvibe.org