Itai Kriss & Telavana - 2024 - All Aboard. Vol. 1 Departures (2024)

(31:58; Avenue K Records)

Track list:
1. Agadir 5:09
2. Night Vision 4:43
3. Beach Song 3:34
4. Flânerie Brumeuse 6:35
5. Dakar 3:13
6. Prendido 3:49
7. Seventh Life 4:55

Line-up:
Itai Kriss - flute, vocals
Wayne Tucker - trumpet, flugelhorn
Ahmed Alom-Vega - piano
Tamir Shmerling - bass, vocals
Dan Aran - drums, percussion, vocals
Samuel Torres - congas, percussion
with:
Amos Hoffman - oud, guitars


Flautist Itai Kriss originates from Israel but has been based in the US for a number of years at this point from what I understand. In 2018 he launched the band project Telavana, and since then he has released three albums under the moniker Itai Kriss & Telavana. "All Aboard. Vol. 1 Depatrtures" is the most recent of these, and was released through the label Avenue K Records in the early summer of 2024.

It is quite the uplifting jazz experience we get with the landscapes explored on this production. A careful but expressive rhythm section sets up a playful foundation in these compositions, with an ongoing piano motif as a key ingredient in most of the songs, all of which tend to emphasize the playful nature of the landscapes explored. The flute, reeds and brass instruments alternate in taking the lead role on top, as well as combining in different manners. All along maintaining and emphasizing a positive and uplifting mood and vibe.

This isn't one of those albums that presents us with a vibrant, energetic vibe of the kind that one would expect to hear at a party or a celebration though, and this isn't a production that comes with any sacral elements either. Instead this is a relaxed manner of uplifting and positive moods and attitudes, the joyful emotions one can sense when getting a sunny day after a week of clouds and rain. A relaxed summer attitude if you like, or the kind of joy you feel when the flowers start blooming in the spring time. We do get a couple of slight left turns into landscapes with a bit more of a melancholic tinge to them too though, but even here the relaxed, uplifting and playful attitude is very much in place. A joyful longing rather than a mournful one if you like.

Impulses from Latin music and what sounds like a little bit of Samba inspired details are mainstay elements from what I can hear, and sometimes I would describe occasional impulses as probably referencing Mexican music traditions. There is also a bit of a world music element present, presumably due to inspirations taken from Itai Kriss homeland of Israel.

If you are in the mood for or have a general interest in world music and Latin flavored jazz that comes with an elegant performance and that are playful yet relaxed, uplifting and positive in mode, mood and atmosphere, this is a production that should delight you. The kind of jazz that inspire thoughts of the first real summer day and the time when flowers start blooming in springtime is what you get in abundance on this album.

Olav M. Björnsen, July 2024

Links:
https://www.itaikriss.com/