Record Reviews

HUMAN FACTORY ~ THE HUMAN FACTORY JAZZ972 001 (Barcode: 7293372462795) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Human FactoryFind albums by this artist is an Israeli jazz quintet led by one of the veterans of the local scene – Amikam KimelmanFind albums by this artist. Kimelman has a long and distinguished record behind him. He belongs to the first generation of Israeli-born jazz musicians and began to practice his Art when jazz was a true underground scene. He was one of the founders and principal teachers of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, the fist such institution to undertake the jazz education of the Israeli youngsters. In time Rimon’s graduates became the foundation of the local music scene and many of them achieved international fame and success. Kimelman recorded several albums and led numerous ensembles, The Human Factory being the latest one. The release of the group’s album also marks the birth of a new record label, called Jazz972Find albums on this label, dedicated to the documentation of the flourishing local jazz scene (same as JazzisFind albums on this label Records 20 years earlier). The Human Factory is quite an unusual quintet, as the instruments include sax, trombone, guitar, bass and drums (reminiscent of some of the splendid Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist’s groups). The guitarist is Aharoni BenariFind albums by this artist – past member of Israel’s excellent Jazz-Rock-Funk-Latin group AtrafFind albums by this artist – here playing mainstream jazz for the first time. The other musicians are: Idan WalishFind albums by this artist – trombone, Dima GrotskyFind albums by this artist – bass and Shai ZelmanFind albums by this artist – drums, all very talented and experienced players. Kimelman composed five of the seven compositions included on the album, Benari brings one of his own and the last tune is based on an Israeli folk melody. The album is a splendid example of how the Israeli jazz scene grew up in the last couple of decades from infancy to maturity. It can easily stand up to any jazz album recorded anywhere else in Europe or US. Recommended to all fans of Israeli jazz and modern jazz lovers all over the world.

Updated: 06/03/2025Posted:

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JAZZ BEATLES ~ JAZZ BEATLES HATAKLIT 9325 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 Israeli quintet Jazz BeatlesFind albums by this artist was formed in 1997 as a special project for the Tel Aviv Jazz Festival. It includes some of the best Israeli jazz players: Amikam KimelmanFind albums by this artist (leader, arranger, sax), Eli BenakotFind albums by this artist (sax), Avi AdrianFind albums by this artist (piano), Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist (bass) and Eitan ItzkovitzFind albums by this artist (drums). Although Beatles` tunes are very popular with jazz players all over the world, this ensemble manages to give them new life thanks to the original arrangements and brilliant playing. This is mainstream jazz, which does exactly what it is supposed to do - it swings like hell.

Updated: 06/03/2025Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend