Album Review: Daybreak from Susan Krebs with Mixed Remotions

Album:  Daybreak
Artist:  Susan Krebs with Mixed Remotions
Website:  https://susankrebsmusic.com

Daybreak, the eighth album from soul-blues vocalist Susan Krebs celebrates the trope of torchlight jazz. Joining her is her band dubbed the Mixed Remotions, comprised of Rich Eames on piano, Jerry Kalaf on drums and vibraphones, Domenic Genova on bass, Scott Breadman on percussion, Riner Scivally on guitar, and Rob Lockart and Doug Walter on woodwinds

From the Latin-imbued sway of the title track to the waltzing gait of Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer's  jewel "How Little We Know," her interpretation of classic torchlight tunes sprinkles a refreshing glint on these handful of timeless melodies. The andante pace of Krebs's vocals infuses the title track with an infectious sprint. The sweeping glide of her vocals whisks listeners out of their chairs and invites them to join along the leisurely ride. There is a conversational tint in Krebs's lilting vocals that leads listeners to believe she is directing her words at them.

The swirling effects opening "Inside A Silent Tear," penned by Blossom Dearie, produce a dreamscape ambience that moves into a series of lounging swells, cushioning the listener in tranquilizing undulations. The tenderness in her vocals is penetrative, reaching deep into the listener's soul. The breezy saunter of Doug Walter's woodwinds is hypnotic as Rich Eames's keys finesses the tune with a soothing tremor. The flouncy bubbling beats of "Listen Here" has a soothing effect on listeners and slips into the wandering reflections of "Stardust," written by Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish.

Packed with warm and reflective passages, Krebs's recording shows reverence for the torchlight milieu. Her soulful vocal expressions breathe life into the classic jazz melodies, bringing out their stellar glaze.

Musicians:
Susan Krebs - vocals  
Rich Eames -  piano
Jerry Kalaf -  drums and vibraphones
Domenic Genova -  bass
Scott Breadman - percussion
Riner Scivally -  guitar
Rob Lockart - woodwinds
Doug Walter - woodwinds