Record Reviews
12 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ALBERT BEGER ~ BIG MOTHER
EARSAY 078 (Barcode: 7290010420780) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
8th album by Israeli saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist recorded with his new quartet, which includes two new members: Aviram Ben NaimFind albums by this artist on piano and Yoav ZoharFind albums by this artist on drums. Veteran bassist Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist is still with Beger, the only member of his ensemble who plays with him since the first album recorded twelve years ago. Beger composed and arranged all the music, which is surprisingly much more melodic than his previous recordings. Of course there is plenty of free improvisation, but the musical themes are clearly stated and adhered to. The two new members prove to be a wise choice and play splendidly, creating the strongest version of Beger’s quartet ever. Pianist Ben Naim is an ideal accompanist for the leader, with his beautifully harmonic rapid movement all over the keyboard and Zohar on drums builds up the tension skillfully. Meyer’s steady bass foundation keeps the music on track with taste and apparent superb feel for the music. Beger is a great player; comfortable in any situation the music takes him to, regardless of key, tempo or the complexity of the tunes. His writing is getting better all the time and this new music is definitely his strongest statement to date, as a composer. This album stands proudly shoulder to shoulder with any contemporary Jazz recording from Europe or the US, positioning Beger firmly as a world-class Jazz artists. Brilliant stuff!
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ EVOLVING SILENCE VOL.1
EARSAY 097 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
6th album (recorded 2005) by Israeli saxophonist / flautist Albert Beger recorded in a trio setting with what is commonly accepted as the best Free Jazz rhythm section today: William Parker on bass and Hamid Drake on drums. The very fact that these distinguished musicians agreed to cooperate, perform and record with Beger already proves that they consider him a worthy partner in the Art of making music. The recording is a document of intensity, with superb performances from start to finish both on the emotional and intellectual planes. Beger composed two of the recorded pieces and the other two are spontaneous improvisations / compositions. It is really quite pointless to talk about music of such caliber; all I can do is wholeheartedly recommend it to any true Jazz connoisseur, who is not afraid to make an intellectual effort while listening to music in order to enter the higher planes of the Art. Most warmly recommended!
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ EVOLVING SILENCE VOL.2
EARSAY 091 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
7th album (recorded 2005) and a follow up to the previously released part one of these historic sessions by Israeli saxophonist / flautist Albert Beger, recorded in a trio setting with what is commonly accepted as the best Free Jazz rhythm section today: William Parker on bass and Hamid Drake on drums. The very fact that these distinguished musicians agreed to cooperate, perform and record with Beger already proves that they consider him a worthy partner in the Art of making music. The recording is a document of intensity, with superb performances from start to finish both on the emotional and intellectual planes. Beger composed two of the recorded pieces and the other two are spontaneous improvisations / compositions. It is really quite pointless to talk about music of such caliber; all I can do is wholeheartedly recommend it to any true Jazz connoisseur, who is not afraid to make an intellectual effort while listening to music in order to enter the higher planes of the Art. Most warmly recommended!
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ HEVEL HAVALIM
EARSAY 028 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
4th album (recorded 2002) by Israeli saxophonist / flautist Albert Beger, who is the most prominent Israeli Jazz musician in the Free-Jazz field. This recording presents Beger in a trio setting with his regular bass player Gabriel Meyer and drummer Hagai Fershtman. As usual Beger composed all the music and is responsible for all the arrangements. With this album he definitely crosses over to the “top league” of contemporary Jazz players of the highest quality. The profound understanding of the Jazz idiom, the respect for past Masters (especially Coltrane, Dolphy, Ayler and Lacy) and constant drive towards the musical enlightenment make Beger one of the most interesting contemporary Jazz musicians. Contrary to the usual assumption that Free Jazz is undisciplined and chaotic, Beger’s compositions are surprisingly melodic and acceptable even to people, who are not connoisseurs of the genre. I only wish Beger would get the recognition and worldwide acceptance he so richly deserves.
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ LISTENING
EARSAY 033 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
5th album (recorded 2004) by Israeli saxophonist Albert Beger, one of the country’s most prominent musician and a Master player / composer of international statue. This recording presents Beger in a quintet setting, where in addition to his regular trio (with Meyer and Fershtman) two excellent musicians come on board: saxophonist Yoni Silver and guitarist Yiftach Kadan. This expanded format enables Beger to present more complex compositions and the interplay between the musicians is broader with multi-layered voicing and rich harmonic textures. The music is as excellent as all Berger’s material so far and it can be summarized beautifully by the Steve Lacy (to whom the album is dedicated) quote: “We don’t determine music, the music determines us: we only follow it to the end of our life: then it goes on without us”. I am sure Beger’s music will go on forever as well.
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ PEACEMAKER
ANOVA 028 (Barcode: 7290011799281) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
Although Israeli Jazz produced a vast amount of great musicians in its short life-span, many of which are now world-famous and enjoy success, especially on the NY scene, the two brightest and most visionary Israeli Jazz figures remain relatively anonymous outside of their homeland: clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist. Although separated by a generation gap, both Rubin and Beger made the decision of take the less-treaded path of Free Jazz and Improvised Music, shunning any commercial or non-artistic influences and remaining always true to their inner call. This is the 9th album by Albert Beger in 15 years of his recording legacy, adding another invaluable layer to his artistic heritage. Always re-inventing himself and arising life a phoenix from the ashes of whatever occupied his musical mindset previously, Beger presents here a new approach, using a new ensemble, which includes guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist, drummer Dan BenediktFind albums by this artist and Avi ElbazFind albums by this artist on electronics. This rejuvenated ensemble creates a completely new sound and enables Beger to explore new vistas, previously uncharted, like Rock rhythms and electronic ambience. As usual, he composed and arranged all the music, which is remarkably fresh and uplifting and also surprisingly melodic at times, which results in the music being probably more accessible to a larger audience than previously. But of course this new direction does not, by any means, signify any artistic compromises or "selling out". This is still absolutely brilliant music, intelligent and complex as always, and full of inner beauty and depth. It´s definitely time for Beger to be "discovered", as whatever he has to offer musically is no less valuable that anything else being created anywhere, and probably more so. This is essential stuff for mind and body – just let it in!
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ THE PRIMITIVE
NMC (ISRAEL) 330012 (Barcode: 7290003506293) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995
1st album by Albert BegerFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent Jazz musicians in Israel and alongside Harold RubinFind albums by this artist a main propagator of the Israeli Free Jazz movement. Beger studied music extensively in the US (Berkley Collage in Boston and then New York) and upon his return to Israel established his quartet and started performing regularly. Since 1995 he recorded a series of excellent albums, which present his remarkable technique as a player, his exceptional improvisational abilities and his talent as a composer. At the time of the recording of this album his quartet included the best-ever Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (who plays on many albums released on my Jazzis label), bassist Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist and Asutralian born pianist living in Israel John BostokFind albums by this artist. Beger composed all the music included here and the quartet performs with vision and vigor. The music is firmly based in the mainstream Jazz tradition, with distinct melody lines, but the improvisations tend to move towards the Free Jazz idiom. Although not an easy listen, this album can still be enjoyed by most “conventional” Jazz listeners. More adventurous listeners are recommended to seek out Beger’s later albums.
Out of print - last copies in stock!
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ THIS LIFE
NMC (ISRAEL) 20288 (Barcode: 7290003512928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997
2nd album by Israeli saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist and his quartet with John BostockFind albums by this artist on piano, Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist on bass and Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist on drums. As usual Beger wrote all the music on this album, which is excellently performed by the quartet members. The album marks Beger’s transition between modern Jazz and Improvised Music, which he will be involved with on his later recordings. The material on this album is still firmly based on the Jazz tradition, with melodic content and traditional harmonic structures. Beger’s solos however are mostly free form, spinning and floating above the basic chord changes. His virtuosity and flair are clearly apparent and the album established Beger as one of Israeli leading players. All the other quartet members do an excellent job, each in his respective field. Bostock is a master of harmony, supplying the main melodic structures and playing a few excellent solos. Meyer’s solid bass glues the music together and keeps the time beautifully and Sirkis, by far the best Israeli drummer, drives the music forward with his excellent feel and energy. As all Beger’s output, this album firmly confirms that although small, the Israeli Jazz scene is capable of producing recordings of the same quality as anything recorded in Europe or the US. Recommended!
Out of print - last copies in stock!
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  | JOHN BOSTOCK ~ SEEING SKY
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1998 - 2006 Released: 2007
Australian born pianist / composer John BostockFind albums by this artist has been living in Israel since the late 1980s and is one of the most interesting musicians active in the country. His activities encompass the fields of contemporary Classical Music, Improvised Music and Jazz. He won several important awards for his classical compositions and his Jazz activities include many performances and recordings, with two albums as a member of Albert BegerFind albums by this artist’s group and a piano trio album Journey To GythiaFind albums with this title from 2004. This new album collects Bostock’s solo piano pieces, recorded over a period of eight years. He composed all the music, except one standard, which ranges from completely improvised pieces and spontaneous compositions to improvisations on written themes. It might come as a great surprise to the listener to find out how beautifully melodic this music is, even when completely improvised. Full of lyricism and melancholy, the melody lines come and go, shifting in the shadows of the music. An attentive listener can immerse himself in the magic completely, floating on the gentle waves in total bliss (not recommended for driving!). Although sometimes resembling Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist’s solo recordings, this music has none of Jarrett’s tenseness and stressfulness. The sound quality is exceptional and the piano sounds completely realistic with great presence and sound clarity. This is a real gem and a true piece of musical bliss – an island of serenity in the havoc that surrounds us all. Highly recommended!
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  | ELI HASSON ~ SEVEN SEAS
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 9506289436147) ~ ISRAEL ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023
This is the debut album by Israeli Jazz trumpeter / composer Eli HassonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with guitarist Yeonathan ShacharFind albums by this artist and drummer Yovel ShayFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Hasson and one is an arrangement of a traditional song.
Hasson, aged 60, a “late bloomer” as he jokingly describes his musical background, is classically trained, but was involved in the “fringe” Israeli Jazz scene for some years, including stints with Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and Albert BegerFind albums by this artist, but only recently started to develop his compositional ambitions, encouraged by Israel pianist Anat FortFind albums by this artist. His partners on this album are young Israeli Jazz musicians / improvisers.
The music, although definitely melody based, incorporates a lot of Freedom in the interpretation, with a beautiful balance between sound and silence. The intimate and highly unusual trio format also sets a decisive tone to the music, which is very contemplative, reflective and even hypnotic to some extent.
Hasson’s trumpet playing, obviously classically influenced, is precise and offers a beautiful tone, which is expressive and relaxed. The guitarist offers layers of harmony and some electronic effects, staying mostly in the role of accompanist, creating the background for the trumpet soloing. The drummer almost never plays any steady rhythmic patterns, supplying instead another layer of accompaniment. Together the trio offers highly aesthetic and deeply emotional vistas, characteristic of European / Nordic stylistics.
Overall, this is a highly unusual Jazz / Improvised Music album, rather atypical to the local Israeli Jazz scene, which is mostly mainstream or ethnically oriented, which of course is very refreshing. The melodic continuity should make this music much more accessible to wider audiences than the usual Improvised Music fringe, and allow this music to reach many Jazz lovers, which it truly deserves. Hopefully the next album will arrive sooner than this debut effort.
| | Updated: 24/06/2023Posted: 24/06/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOËLLE LÉANDRE ~ LIVE IN ISRAEL
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 17 (Barcode: 634479851179) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
French bassist Joëlle LéandreFind albums by this artist is one of a relatively few women pioneers on the Free Jazz and Improvised Music scene to earn a legendary status. Her activities on the scene have brought her in contact with the most distinguished performers, both European and American (such as Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist). She also worked in the field of contemporary Classical music with composers like Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist and John CageFind albums by this artist. In 2007 Joëlle visited Israel and her live performances there have been recorded and are now issued on this double CD. The first CD includes 7 solo bass (and voice) performances and the second CD offers her playing in duo, trio and sextet settings with the top Israeli Improvised Music artists: Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist – bass, Steve HorensteinFind albums by this artist – baritone and soprano sax, flute, Sameer MakhoulFind albums by this artist – oud and voice, Assif TsaharFind albums by this artist – bass clarinet, Daniel SaridFind albums by this artist – piano, Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist – drums, Albert BegerFind albums by this artist – tenor sax and Ariel ShiboletFind albums by this artist – soprano sax. These wonderful musical moments are some of the highlights of the Improvised Music created in Israel, a small but quite lively scene led by Jones and consistently documented on his Kadima CollectiveFind albums on this label label. Connoisseurs of the genre will be quite delighted to hear this stuff.
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