Embracing Dawn
Mack Avenue, 2024
9/10
The Grammy nominated pianist Christian Sands brings many influences into his version of jazz, and here we're treated to prog rock, gospel and Western classical nods.
Sands’ mesmerizing piano opens the listen, where “Good Morning Heartache” makes for a moody climate that benefits from Ryan Sands’ well timed drums, and “Divergent Journeys” follows with a more dense delivery, as Marvin Sewell’s warm guitar and Warren Wolf’s animated vibraphone add much richness.
Landing in the middle, “Thought Bubbles I (Can We Talk?)” is an intimate moment of just Sands’ poetic keys initially, before Yasushi Nakamura’s playful upright bass enters, while “Serenade Of An Angel” places Eli Weinberger on cello and Andrew Joslyn on viola for the rich and dreamy album highlight.
Arriving late in the record, “Braises de Requiem I (The Embers Requeim, Mov. I)” lacks a rhythm section but employs Ross Gilliland’s contrabass via the distinct ambience of grace, and “Embracing Dawn” exits with Grégoire Maret’s handling harmonica and contributing much to the gentle beauty.
A highly technical version of jazz that sorts through heartbreak and healing, the post-bop, sublime strings and meticulous execution is greatly appreciated.
Travels well with: Emmet Cohen- Vibe Provider; Ben Wendel- All One