Michel Gentile: Light of Day

CONNECTION WORKS (RELEASED MAY 29, 2026)

According to one resource, chamber jazz can be identified by its formal compositions, acoustic ensembles, unconventional instrumentation and global influences. If that is the case, Michel Gentile’s Light of Day is a perfect example of modern-day chamber jazz. In terms of compositions, Gentile’s 10 originals written specifically for this five-piece acoustic ensemble flow (which coincidentally is the name of his band) from intricate and imaginative contrapuntal sections to compelling solos all built on a foundation of steady to undulating rhythms. Regarding unconventional instrumentation Light of Day features a unique combination of Gentile on a full arsenal of flutes , Mike McGinnis on clarinet, Jacob Garchik on trombone, Chris Lightcap on bass and Tom Rainey on drums. As for global influences, the music varies from the tango feel of “Flesh and Steel” and the second line groove of “Solitdaire” to the balladry of “This Reminds Me of You” and the dirge like hymn of “Hold Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand.” More than a textbook example of chamber jazz, Light of Day is an example of how Gentile and his band are stretching the boundaries of the form with its shifting sonics and intricate arrangements. Tunes such as the rhythmic “Light of Day,” the freer sounding “Walk an Eye” and “Hold Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand” showcase the interaction between the horns as they tangle and untangle their collective voices with precision and ease. Solos are more dominant on the darker “Chthonian,” featuring Gentile’s bass flute:“Solitdaire,” featuring the trombone of Garchik punctuated by Gentile and McGinnis;” “The Genbergs,” an up tempo swinger with solos from all horn players; and “Flesh and Steel,”featuring the sensitive playing of Lightcap on bass and Rainey on drums. It’s obvious Gentile has paid close attention to his past instructors such as Jimmy Giuffre, David Holland, George Russell and Muhal Richard Abrams. The music of Light of Day is both complex and straight forward, ensemble rich and solo forward, compositional and improvisational. If you are looking for a recording that defines modern chamber jazz, go with the “Flow” and their new recording, Light of Day.

BOTTOM LINE: More than ten years ago, Downbeat named flutist Michel Gentile as a “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition.” If that didn’t put him on your jazz radar, Light of Day certainly will. It’s Gentile’s finest recording to date documenting his “talents” as a flutist, composer, arranger and bandleader.