Glide
2011

Accomplished Flutist/Composer Damjan Krajacic’s recording Glide is a resounding success. It combines European lyricism and graceful harmonies with pulsating polyrhythms from the Americas. Glide reminds me of an updated version of Chick Corea’s early Return To Forever recordings. Krajacic seamlessly combines heartfelt flute playing with a celebration of the joy of the dance. Enjoy!”

~ James Newton, Flutist and composer

“Born in Zagreb, Croatia and currently based in Los Angeles, flutist Damjan Krajacic is a new name to me. Still, there’s a familiarity to what he does with his chosen instrument, which is not to say his approach is predictable. He started out as a jazz bassist before becoming intrigued with the possibilities of the flute, not only how well it blends with the percussion-heavy textures of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music, but also the extent to which the breathing of life into it affects the sounds that come out. There are many high-flying jazz moments on Glide during which Krajacic and his collaborators -Mike Boito on acoustic and electric piano, Larry Steen on acoustic and electric bass and drummer/percussionists Tony Shogren and Derf Reklaw- really soar, with shifting arrangements and rhythms winding their way into solos by every player. But it’s not about merely indulging individual musicians who happen to be very good at what they do.

The pieces are expansive and expressive, often taking time to stretch out, as on the alternately moody and playful “Lara” and “Heartbeat,” to showcase the spark and creativity of the whole ensemble. Check, for example, the marvelous subtlety with which Boito and Steen build their piano and bass up and around the similarly emergent sound of Krajacic’s flute throughout “Resemblance,” Shogren’s recurring use of Brazilian rhythms and instruments to compliment Krajacic’s scatting along the same lines and Reklaw’s unflagging Afro/Latin/funk expertise. And yes, there are Balkan subtleties in there as well, lest anyone think Krajacic’s homeland was overlooked. Fans of straight-up jazz and global sounds alike will enjoy this thoroughly satisfying CD.”

~ World Music Central, October 2011, By Tom Orr

“Love the vocals / flute / piano / everything! Reminds me of Andreas Vollenweider and all that wonderful Windham Hill stuff we used to listen to. These recordings are gorgeous... Reminds me a little of Keith Jarrett and Vince Guiraldi together using flute as their muse! The piano is sublime in "Inspire".. and your flute on "Heartbeat" is insane! And real rhodes! Sweet.”

~ Bill Brown, Composer

“A kid from Croatia thinks of the flute as a percussive instrument and weaves it delicately in Brazilian flavored jazz that he has a real mastery of. And the contradictions just keep on coming. In these one world times, it doesn't matter where it comes from as long as it's good and this set is the real deal. A great after hours record, this is first class flute world jazz that's simply a great time to hear. A solid throw back to the 70s when this stuff was really hitting it, somebody better give ScottAdams the heads up that this groovy stuff is right in his Brazilian show groove. Hot stuff”

~ Midwest Record, September 2011

“Glide is a sumptuous, instrumental music CD album featuring Zagreb-born, L.A.-based performer Damjan Krajacic on the flute. With the smooth flute notes as a highlight, Glide drifts through a variety of Brazilian, Cuban, and jazz rhythms, while never losing sight of Krajacic's classical and Balkan roots. Cresting with energy, Glide transitions between style variants with exceptional elegance, and is a choice pick especially for anyone who loves original takes on international music. Highly recommended.”

~ Midwest Book Review, October 2011

“Flutist Damjan Krajacic is a Croatian by birth, who spent time learning music in LA. The album is Krajacic’s homage to the Afro-Latin rhythms that influenced him. Listening to the track reminds you of old movies from the late 1960s and 1970s when Latin rythms were the “in” thing. No vocals in this track save for a couple where the musicians keep beatwith vocals.”

~ KZSU

“Zagreb-born and L.A.-based, Damjan Krajacic knows how to play the flute and create wonderful Afro-Cuban rumba, Latin-jazz, and nostalgic, downtempo lounge music. Damjan's vocals and flute are accompanied by piano, fender rhodes, congas, bass, drums, and assorted percussion. However, a majority of the music is instrumental. The fluttering flute melodies, spicy percussion, and punchy piano sounds make Glide stand out from the crowd. You will hear sounds from Cuba, Brazil, Caribbean, and America. If you are interested in jazz, samba, Latin music, and rumba styles thrown into an experimental mix of aural colors, then Glide is right for you. Perhaps the only musical element indicative of Damjan's Croatian past is the piano. The jazzy nuances and tender melodies are ideal for fans of jazz and world music. Let Damjan take you on a journey where you glide effortlessly through the musical styles created by his mind and body.”

~ Inside World Music, October 2011, By Matthew Forss