David Friesen - A Light Shining Through (CD)

Though a major international jazz figure for decades, it wasn't until 2015 that a tour allowed bassist-composer David Friesen the opportunity to visit his mother's ancestral home of Ukraine for the first time. Welcomed by a camera crew and introductions to pivotal musicians and cultural institutions, his journey was first documented on 2020's critically acclaimed "Testimony," recorded live at Kyiv's National Philharmonic Hall with the National Academic Symphonic Band of Ukraine. The ensuing pandemic and war put further plans on hold, but Friesen was able to record with the Kyiv Mozart String Quartet in October 2021, and those recordings provide the framework and soul of "A Light Shining Through." Adding organic percussion sounds and saxophone to his singing melodies, the album's tuneful vignettes reflect the many emotions exposed through his journey of ancestral discovery.

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. Little Ella Bella
2. Time Through Light
3. Dressed in Red
4. My Prayer
5. Blue and Red
6. Children's Song
7. Staircase
8. One Last Time
9. Islands
10. Passage
11. Luxury Liner
12. A Light Shining Through
13. Festival
14. Glide
15. Softly Tells the Story
16. Forgiveness