Into The Daybreak
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
A veteran musician, composer and instructor, Toronto’s Mike Freedman has enjoyed a 3 decade career that’s included playing on countless jazz albums and making many of his own, too. Into The Daybreak, his first record as a solo instrumental jazz artist, has Freedman in excellent company across 9 stunning tracks.
“Day Of Change” starts the record with warm, gorgeous guitar as crisp drumming from Max Senitt and Jeremy Ledbetter’s fluent piano accent the swirling jazz opener, and “May The 4th Be With You” follows with Alexis Baro’s trumpet prowess adding much to the swift and elegant atmosphere.
“Samba On The Sand”, one of the album’s best, then recruits Louis Simao on Cuica for the Latin flavored rhythms, while “Snake In The Grass” trims the pace back with a more dramatic landscape of carefully timed keys, precise drumming and, of course, Freeman’s exceptional guitar work. “Tomorrow Is Yesterday”, another strong track, then welcomes Curtis Freeman’s fretless bass amid no shortage of melody and guitar acrobatics.
Deeper yet, “Journey Beyond Seven” is a versatile and dreamy display of jazz and blues ideas, and “Resolve” exits the listen with Chris Gales’ tenor sax skills adding much to the sophisticated and very memorable finish.
Freedman’s guitar playing is inspired by legends like Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery, who his work definitely parallels in greatness, and he’s even helped Tia Brazda hit the top of the jazz charts. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Into The Daybreak sees a similar destination with its flawless attention to detail and top notch execution.
Travels well with: David Restivo- Arancina; Doxas Brothers- The Circle