ITAI KRISS & TELAVANA

ALL ABOARD – VOL. 1: DEPARTURES:

Avenue K Records

Itai Kriss, flute/vocals; Wayne Tucker, trumpet/flugelhorn; Ahmed Alom-Vega, piano; Tamir Shmerling, acoustic bass/electric bass/vocals; Dan Aran, drums/percussion/vocals; Samuel Torres, congas/percussion.  SPECIAL GUEST: Amos Hoffman, oud/elec. Guitar.

This group (Telavana) has a totally unique presentation that blends jazz, Middle Eastern culture, North African music, and spicy Latin roots by lacing them together into the compositions of flautist, Itai Kriss.  They open with “Agadir” that is the name of a major city in Morocco, South of Casablanca.  Amos Hoffman is featured on Oud during this arrangement, bringing authenticity from that part of the musical world. The song reminds me of a bustling city, with Itai Kriss’s flute flying over the fray like a happy bird. Wayne Tucker brings jazz to the table, blowing like a Moroccan wind at sunset. This original tune is full of energy and excitement, with rich percussive drive and voices that chant periodically in the background. “Night Vision” is a little calmer arrangement at the beginning, but soon develops into a bright Latin tune with a spotlight on pianist Ahmed Alom-Vega. Mid-song, Drummer Dan Aran and percussionist Samuel Torres take the reins and ride this song across open space with boisterous rhythms and excitement.

The Kriss compositions embrace Middle Eastern culture on the “Beach Song” with vocals sung in a native language I do not recognize, possibly Arabic.  However, it’s so melodic that it makes me want to hum along with the song.  Another favorite of mine is their final song titled, “Seventh Life” that falls into a more Smooth Jazz category.

Their song “Dakar” made me want to jump from my seat and dance, with the flute and Tucker’s trumpet speaking playfully to each other over bright rhythms. Although these musicians stick to their roots, blending continents and cultures, the way they improvise gives their music a certain freedom only found in jazz. This project is a wonderful adventure into how jazz can wrap loving arms around other cultures, other languages, and other musical perspectives exposing a fresh and world-music sonic that everyone can enjoy.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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