This Light Has No Darkness, Volume 1

The multi-instrumentalist David Friesen has a long history in the jazz world, and here along with Paul Lees, Charlie Doggett and Rob Moore he fleshes out 12 tracks orchestrated by Kyle Gordon for a 33 piece orchestra.

"Recovery For Two" starts the listen with a charming dreaminess, where Friesen's well timed bass plucking is met with calm winds and gorgeous strings, and "Motivation" follows with a graceful, cinematic appeal that uses builds into lush sounds with Lees' sublime piano front and center.

In the middle, "Basic Strategy" benefits much from the playful percussion and bright bass, where the meticulous interaction between the strings is much appreciated, while "A Beautiful Moment" offers a rich and harmonic delivery that tugs on the heartstrings via its cozy and radiant climate.

"The Repetition" and "Return To The Father" exit the listen, where the former shows firm progression of elegance and melody with marching band style drumming, and the latter emits a sublime intimacy that's agile and soothing.

Originally conceived for the National Academic Symphonic Band Of Ukraine, the themes of hope, forgiveness and purpose are handled superbly in Friesen and company's skilled hands.