The latest release from a gifted pianist is a great addition to any jazz library.
Christian Sands – Embracing Dawn – Mack Avenue Music Group MAC1209LP exclusive limited edition light blue vinyl, 47:48 ****1/2:
(Christian Sands – piano; Yasushi Nakamura – double bass; Ryan Sands – drums; Marvin Sewell – guitar; Andrew Joslyn – violin, viola; Eli Weinberger – cello; Ross Gilliland – contrabasso; Warren Wolf – vibraphone; Grégoire Maret – harmonica)
Christian Sands has become a prominent jazz figure at a relatively early age. The pianist has been fronting groups for nearly two decades. He has played with bassist Christian McBride as part of the Inside Straight lineup. Sands relies on narrative flow in defining his musical style, eschewing ornate soloing. His latest album from Mack Avenue Music Group, Embracing Dawn has been described as a healing relationship-induced project. Side A opens with a gossamer ballad, “Good Morning Heartache”. Sands’ relaxed atmospheric piano is augmented by strings and a guitar at the end of the track. “Divergent Journeys” utilizes the strings, but Sands intermingles well-timed muscular play with a precise, breezy solo. Warren Wolf injects additional texture and tempo on vibraphone. The arrangement resonates with cinematic agility. In a change of pace, “Ain’t That The Same” hits a soulful groove and weaves around jazzy syncopation with Marvin Sewell’s crisp guitar lines. Sands’ solo is a cool, swinging approach and bassist Yasushi Yasushi contributes a solo. This quartet is in lockstep and Sands percolates.
Closing out the side, “Thought Bubbles II (Do Not Disturb)” is moody and restrained with sparse notation. Bluesy piano flourishes sneak up on the listener. The delicate work by drummer Ryan Sands and the descending bass lines are effective. On “Thought Bubbles I (Can We Talk?)”, the vibe changes with a funky cadence and gritty runs by Sands. The intensity swells as the jam progresses. One of the certain highlights (Side B) is “MMC”. It bristles with positive energy and relentless left-hand grooves. Sands’ breathless solo is compelling and the punctuated finish is prominent. Switching gears, the ambitious “Serenade Of An Angel” is arranged for strings (which is at the core of this number). Wolf and Sewell trade runs. There are expressive solos by Wolf and Sands that are meditative. The musical directions are very fluid. “Braises de Requiem I (The Embers Requiem, Mov. I)” is lush and features the string players. There are various classical motifs and the overall sound feels hypnotic. The title track is romantic with subtle gospel undertones. Grégoire Manet’s evocative harmonica captures the dreamlike aesthetics.
Embracing Dawn is a interesting, accessible jazz album. The lush sound mix is vibrant with excellent separation.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Christian Sands – Embracing Dawn
TrackList:
Side A: Good Morning Heartache; Divergent Journeys; Ain’t That The Same; Thought Bubbles II (Do Not Disturb); Thought Bubbles I (Can We Talk?)
Side B:MMC; Serenade Of An Angel; Braises de Requiem (The Embers Requiem, Mov. I); Embracing Dawn.
