Daybreak
GreenGig, 2021
8/10
The stunning jazz vocalist Susan Krebs recorded this 8th album during the pandemic, after struggling with the isolation of the new norm, and an inherent desire to be creative during a time when it was being stifled. In order to do it safely, she did the bulk of the work remote, and then booked a single fully vaxxed in studio session to flesh out the 7 very well thought out tracks.
“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” starts with Krebs’ bare vocals before Domenic Gennova’s playful bass and Scott Breadman’s subtle percussion enters the timeless jazz climate that welcomes woodwinds from Rob Lockart, and “Daybreak” follows with soothing vibraphone thanks to Jerry Kalaf, as the dreamy setting displays agile piano from Rich Eames alongside the poetic vocals from Krebs.
In the middle, “Inside A Silent Tear” recruits Doug Walter on woodwinds, as much beauty surrounds the ballad friendly delivery, while “Who Knows Where The Time Goes?” benefits from soulful brass amid the intimate and warm album highlight that does justice to the Sandy Denny original.
“Listen Here” and “Stardust” exit the listen, where the former is rich with cautious and stirring song craft, and the latter finishes on an adventurous and groove filled display of spirited jazz that will always be appreciated.
In addition to the previously mentioned musicians, Riner Scivally plays guitar on the record, and with 3 arrangers present (Kalaf, Walker and Eames), focusing on making Daybreak was essentially the therapy that Krebs needed to get her through the darkest times of the pandemic, and it makes for a delightful and accomplished addition to her glowing body of work.
Travels well with: Roseanna Vitro- Sing A Song Of Bird; Cathy Segal-Garcia- Social Anthems Volume 1