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  | OFIR SHWARTZ ~ EARLIER IN TIME
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 797734644296) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
Debut album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ofir ShwartzFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist Amitai LadinFind albums by this artist and drummer Elad AizikowitzFind albums by this artist, recorded after they played together for about three years. I found listening to this album a heartwarming experience for several reasons; the fact that the piano trio is my favorite Jazz trip is already well known to my fiends and foes alike, but the fact that three young Israeli musicians are capable of playing with such elegance, eloquence and maturity is truly astounding. Combined with the depth of the pianist´s compositions (all the music on this album, except one track, was composed by him), which are mostly lyrical and introvert, the overall impression is deeply moving. The music is much closer to European Jazz than to its American roots, reminiscent of Nordic and East European schools of Jazz composition. Mostly quite precise and well organized; the music sometimes glides into freely improvised passages, which albeit being brief, put it in an entirely new context. The rhythm section gives a perfectly solid support to the soloist, filling in the blanks and complimenting his performances without being intrusive. The interplay between the three musicians is perfectly balanced and respectful, which is a basis of every great piano trio. Shwartz isn´t trying to be overtly virtuosic in his performance, preferring subtlety and subtext to flashy, but meaningless glissandos and arpeggios. Every keystroke is precisely where it belongs, both musically and rhythmically, which is of course the way good music is supposed to be. Beautifully recorded, with a clear and warm resonance and perfect sonic balance between the instruments, this is an album every Jazz connoisseur should enjoy in full. The fact that it comes from our petite country is definitely a source of pride and joy for people like me, who care about our culture. Wholeheartedly recommended!
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