Record Reviews

COMMON BOND ~ ANCIENT SONG OF NATURE NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album by the Israeli Jazz-World Fusion ensemble Common BondFind albums by this artist, formed and led by guitarist / composer Kobi ShefiFind albums by this artist. The current lineup of the band includes also the female vocalist Naama LevyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ilan PustopetskiFind albums by this artist, oboe player Yoram LachishFind albums by this artist who plays also many other instruments, bassist Nimrod LachishFind albums by this artist, drummer Roni ZadikFind albums by this artist and percussionist Chen MeirFind albums by this artist. Among themselves the band members play a plethora of instruments, many of which are original ethnic instruments from many parts of the world. The album includes twelve original compositions, eight of which were composed by Shefi, two by Zadik, one by Nimrod Lachish and one is the group´s arrangement of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song. The music is excellent from start to finish, with a diverse spectrum of genres and influences, mixing ethnic motifs from Africa and the Middle East with Jazzy improvisations, Pop melodies and percussive pulsations and Funky rhythms. The entire amalgam of so many colorful elements makes a perfect musical sense and creates a truly enjoyable musical experience. All the musicians have plenty of opportunities to play solo spots, although the relaxed atmosphere and spiritual approach seem to be the driving force here rather than competing for attention. Common Bond is, in many respects, the epitome of contemporary Israeli music, doing what Israeli do best, mixing the countless sources of tradition, inspiration and influence form the entire world. Cross genre, cross style and cross culture, this music is simply music, which can touch any listener anywhere on this planet. The performances are all excellent, both the sensitive vocals and the energetic instrumental passages, which flow easily and elegantly in spite of their sophistication and intelligent craftsmanship. The ensemble exists since the late 1990s and certainly deserves a much wider recognition than it managed to achieve so far, so this new album will hopefully bring their music to a much wider audience. At least I hope so, at they truly deserve it!

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COMMON BOND ~ RHYTHM OF LIFE NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 1st album by Israeli ensemble Common BondFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist and composer Kobi ShefiFind albums by this artist. Although founded at the end of the 1990s, the nine-piece band took a long time to mature and develop. They recorded a demo album a few years back, but this is their formal debut release, and as it turns out it was worth waiting for. In many respects this is one of the finest albums ever recorded in this country and it encapsulates the capabilities of the phenomenal new generation of Israeli musicians. Kobi, who wrote most of the music and the spectacular arrangements on this album, is a seasoned player with solid Jazz background (he was a member of Harold RubinFind albums by this artist’s group ParparFind albums by this artist). Drummer Roni ZadikFind albums by this artist, who is another veteran musician, keeps the music incredibly tight, regardless of the complex rhythmic patterns. All the other players are slightly younger (late 20s / early 30s) with extensive musical education and performing experience. The surprise of the album is the 19 years old vocalist Marina MaximilianFind albums by this artist (Blumin), born in Ukraine and immigrated to Israel as a child. She is undoubtedly the most original and spectacular Israeli vocalist since Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist 40 years ago. Her extraordinary technique, range and self-confidence could all be easily mistaken as belonging to a 40 years old veteran superstar. The band creates an incredible big sound, with intricate brass arrangements and jazzy solos, but the music combines (as the band’s name suggests) the best of Jazz, Fusion, Funk and World Music elements into an amalgam of rare beauty and spectacular effect. Think Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, Tower Of PowerFind albums by this artist and SantanaFind albums by this artist with a dash of Middle Eastern and Balkan melancholy, fronted by a diva. Absolutely stunning! Since the album was released, Common Bond performed extensively in many countries with enormous success and they are surely destined to go far. Unfortunately Marina left to follow her solo career (after capturing the entire Israeli public through her participation in a TV talent-discovery show), and was replaced by another very talented singer Anat Ben HamoFind albums by this artist. If you wish to explore the wonderful world of new Israeli music – this is the album to start with. You are in for a treat of your (musical) life.

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MARINA MAXIMILIAN ~ STEP INTO MY WORLD NMC (ISRAEL) 7294276307007 (Barcode: 7294276307007) ~ ISRAEL ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the criminally long overdue debut album by Israeli singer / songwriter Marina MaximilianFind albums by this artist (Blumin), one of the most interesting musical personalities to emerge on the Israeli scene in the last decade. Born in 1987 in Ukraine, Marina arrived in Israel when she was three years old. She received musical education from her mother and later in a conservatory and was destined to become an Artist, which was evident from an early age. She started to perform when still in high school, singing mostly music close to Jazz. She was the first soloist of the excellent Israeli Jazz-World Fusion band Common BondFind albums by this artist and appeared as a vocalist on the band´s debut album recorded in 2006. In 2007 she participated in the TV singing competition, where she was exposed to a wide audience for the first time. Although she reached only the second place in that competition, her appearance showed her to be a fully grown diva, which had already a highly individual style and an absolutely amazing talent, separating her totally form the other participants in that competition. Following the competition Marina started to perform and build up her career, but suffered from the familiar syndrome of being simply way above the head of the average audience, with was unable to appreciate her sophistication, complexity, mannerisms and convoluted personality. Her personal life, which suffered from dramatic ups and downs, hindered her career and her planned debut album was delayed and later scrambled completely. Marina started to develop an acting career and later on a modeling career. Following a failed marriage incident she returned to music and undertook a dramatic change in her appearance, which finally completed her transformation into a heartbreakingly beautiful women as well as a great Artist. The album includes nine songs, eight of which are originals composed (or co-composed in two cases) by Marina and one is a Russian folk song. The lyrics are in English, which is somewhat surprising, but perhaps fitting the resolution to perform a complete turn around. Musically the album is also quite remote from Marina´s Jazzy / cabaret & chanson like / highly stylistic singing she was associated with. This time Marine is a Rocker from start to finish, which allows the listeners to discover a completely new facet of musicality. Of course the Rock Marina performs belongs to the highly sophisticated variety of the genre, with complex melodies, frequent rhythm changes, unexpected twists and turns, in short Alternate Rock at its best. Marina´s performances are, as expected, superb from start to finish. She exposes her wide vocal range, plays around with notes and phrases, modulates tones and displays a showcase of complete vocal mastery. It takes several listens to analyze and discover the hidden treasures and intricate details, but the process is a most rewarding musical experience. Marina again shows that she is simply a universe of her own, being simply untouchable. Well done girl!

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