Record Reviews
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  | ARI EREV ~ A HANDFUL OF CHANGES
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 885767262577) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
Almost four years after his sensational debut album, Israeli pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist returns with his second album as a leader. As the title suggests, it´s all about changes, and therefore this outing is very different from the previous one in every respect. Whereas the debut was a classic piano trio album, with subtle, delicate and often introvert musical love-making, this one is joyous and energetic, recorded mostly in a quintet setting. Of the eleven compositions included herein, seven are Ari´s originals, two are by the great Israeli composer Alexander ArgovFind albums by this artist and the remaining two are standards.
The quintet, which recorded most of the music, consists of prominent American (NY) tenor and soprano saxophonist Joel FrahmFind albums by this artist, Ari on piano, bass guitarist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, drummer Eitan ItzcovichFind albums by this artist and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist. Bassist Tal RonenFind albums by this artist plays double bass on three tracks and reeds player Ofer ShapiroFind albums by this artist plays alto saxophone on one track and clarinet on another. The overall level of performance is absolutely spotless from start to finish, presenting sophisticated and intelligent mainstream Jazz, which is as good as anything recorded in America or Europe in the same category.
Volinez and Itzcovich are a formidable rhythm section, with decades of playing together behind them; Shapiro delivers a wonderfully heartfelt clarinet work; Dobrecky ornaments the music with his rhythmic inventions, adding a slightly exotic tinge; Frahm plays beautifully and skillfully; but of course it´s Ari´s piano work that shines brightly and is exceptionally lovely throughout. His touch and intimate feel for the melody is absolutely gorgeous and as much as I try to forget it, it keeps reminding me of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist´ playing.
My personal favorite track on this album is the wonderful piano / sax duet, which in its intimacy and nakedness presents the beauty of the music at its fullest. But of course the entire album is a feast from start to finish. I can only thank Ari and his cohorts for bestowing upon us all such wonderful music. It proves that the Israeli Jazz scene, regardless of the fact if it happens here or in the middle of NY, reached a maturity and professionalism I dreamt about since decades. Hats off Ari and may the (Jazz) Force be with you!
| | Updated: 06/03/2025Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAGIT GOLDBERG ~ MUSICAL & JAZZ
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
Although the Israeli Jazz scene developed rapidly in the last two decades, with a constant stream of new talent appearing at an ever-increasing paste, one area remains sadly almost completely uncovered – the jazz vocals. Since the early days of Jazz in Israel (going back 40 years or so) only a handful of female jazz singers (and no male singers at all) made any significant impact: Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist, Edna GorenFind albums by this artist, Iris PortugalyFind albums by this artist and Hagit GoldbergFind albums by this artist.
Hagit has been around for quite a while. She started her singing career with the Israeli Airforce Big BandFind albums by this artist (which was at a certain period the best Israeli Big Band) and later on she left for the US to study at the Berklee College of Music. She stayed in the US (NY) for several years, performing in Musicals and with her jazz ensemble. Upon returning to Israel few years ago she started to perform on a regular basis and also to teach singing at the Rimon School and the Jerusalem Academy of Music. Over the years she gained a considerable performing experience and polished her act, but sadly never recorded a proper album. Therefore it is a joy to have her first solo album out finally.
On the album she’s accompanied by a most sympathetic quintet, consisting of some of the best Israeli jazz players, led by bassist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, who also arranged the music. The repertoire includes a carefully selected set of songs, all of which originate from Broadway musicals. Hagit performs the songs with panache and wonderful taste and her beautiful, sexy voice fills the space with presence and tension. Her interaction with the band is absolutely fantastic, with short but excellent instrumental solos fitted just in the right spots. Listening to the album is an uplifting musical experience, highly recommended to all vocal jazz lovers. It was worth the long wait and one can only hope that the next one will come really soon.
| | Updated: 06/03/2025Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GEORGE GRUNTZ / CONCERT JAZZ BAND ~ TIGER BY THE TAIL
TCB 26702 (Barcode: 725095267021) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
This is a fabulous album by the Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist and his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, which for many years was the best European Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. Gruntz was one of the great Godfathers of European Jazz and his many activities and contributions over the years advanced the Jazz idiom immensely. The album was recorded in the US, and presents a mixed American / European lineup, with some of the finest Jazz musicians on the planet. The album presents eight compositions, four of which were composed by Gruntz and another four by members of the Big Band. Gruntz wrote the arrangements and orchestrations of all the pieces. Among the musicians playing on this album one can find trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, drummer Danny GottliebFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Marvin StammFind albums by this artist, Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist and Franco AmbrosettiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Chris HunterFind albums by this artist and Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, Israeli bass guitarist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, a. m. o.
The music, although kept within the mainstream Big Band setting, in incredibly innovative and original, clearly pointing out the many differences between American and European Big Band approach. The arrangements and orchestrations are complex and convoluted, constantly changing the dynamics and tempi, with less emphasis on the individual solos and more dedicated to the overall orchestral sound and interplay.
Although Gruntz is sadly no longer with us, his wonderful music lasts and his extensive recorded legacy is a treasure chest of musical gems. Not to be missed!
Overall, this is a monumental piece of Big Band music, at its finest and most sophisticated form, which should be truly enjoyed by all connoisseurs of that Jazz sub-genre. For young musicians, especially those studying composition and arrangement, this is an open book of how things should be done.
| | Updated: 05/03/2025Posted: 05/03/2025 | CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend |
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