Record Reviews

ALON YAVNAI ~ PICTURE THIS… NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 824594007623) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 1st album by Israeli pianist / composer Alon YavnaiFind albums by this artist, who currently lives in the US and is one of the several Israeli musicians, who managed to establish an international fame and career for themselves in the last few years. Classically trained in Israel, Yavnai continued his studies at the Berklee College of Music, soon after to join the Cuban Master Paquito D`RiveraFind albums by this artist´s ensemble, performing worldwide and recording several albums, including the 2008 Grammy winner "Funk TangoFind albums with this title". In parallel, Yavnai develops his solo career, playing with his trio, cooperating with the great NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist in Hamburg and performing with many acclaimed Jazz artists. This debut album puts him in the spotlight as an instrumentalist and composer. With his trio: Massimo BiolcatiFind albums by this artist – bass and Take ToriyamaFind albums by this artist – drums and with D`Rivera as a special guest, he performs mostly his original compositions with the bass player adding a couple of his own and one classical piece used as a basis. Yavnai´s brilliant technique is evident every step of the way, as he commands the instrument any way he wishes, extracting from it unexpected sounds and strange harmonies. The classical training comes handy when performing all those devilishly difficult changes and arpeggios, but does not overshadow his deep feel for the Jazz tradition and improvisational skills. The music is deeply influenced by Yavnai´s cross-cultural background, with Israeli, Middle Eastern and South American rhythms get combined into a new amalgam. Definitely a superb debut for a future Jazz star, this album is a wet dream for every Jazz piano trio connoisseur, present company included. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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