Record Reviews

OMER AVITAL ~ NEW SONG PLUS LOIN 4568 (Barcode: 3760002142340) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the ninth album as a leader by Israeli Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist, a member of the constantly expanding group of Israeli Jazz musicians, who managed to establish an international following both in the USA and in Europe. On this album, which was recorded in France and released on a French label, he plays in a quintet setting with Israeli trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (resident in the USA), American saxophonist Joel FrahmFind albums by this artist, Israeli pianist Yonathan AvishaiFind albums by this artist (resident in France) and American drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Avital. Musically the album reflects Avital´s interest in Jazz-World Fusion, with his music incorporating a wide range of folkloristic elements, both those he was exposed to as a child in Israel like Middle Eastern Arab, Yemenite, Moroccan and Sephardic Jewish religious music, as well as more remote influences like Cuban, Salsa and other sources. All the compositions on this album integrate one or more of such folkloristic motifs, either in the melody line or in the rhythmic background or both. The problem is that all of that has been already done by Avital and of course by countless other Jazz musicians in the last couple of decades, and as a result these songs might be new per se, but they in fact do not propose any innovation, neither in Avital´s work nor on an overall scale. In addition the music sounds "nice" and rounded, almost danceable, and after a few songs simply seems to follow a pattern of unremarkable mainstream, sparkled with ethnic elements, which lacks any musical ambition and is unfortunately pretty ordinary. That is pretty sad, as Avital is surely capable of producing much more ambitious music than this one. Hopefully all will be better next time.

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ANAT COHEN ~ NOTES FROM THE VILLAGE ANZIC 1302 (Barcode: 896434001177) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 4th album by Israeli (resident in US) clarinetist / saxophonist / composer Anat CohenFind albums by this artist, sister of trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who are also collectively known as the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist. Cohen is already established as one of the leading female Jazz performers in the US and her previous releases have earned her much deserved critical acclaim. On this album Cohen returns to a classic quartet format, with keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist (the only non-Israeli on this album), bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Gilad HekselmanFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. Cohen´s prime instrument is the clarinet, which she plays masterfully and with a unique lyricism, rooted deeply in the Jewish tradition of that instrument, but she also plays the soprano and tenor saxophones and bass clarinet on this album, displaying her instrumental versatility. Half of the album´s material comprises of Cohen´s original compositions, the rest are standards, including a great version of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s "After The Rain". It is a real pleasure to hear these young, but extremely talented musicians, carrying the Jazz tradition into the next Century, expanding it with their own fresh ideas and youthful enthusiasm. Cohen masterly mixes Middle Eastern, Cuban, and above all Jewish ethnic elements into her delivery, with deep sensitivity and finesse. Overall this is a great Jazz album, which is also accessible to a much wider audience beyond the hard-core Jazz circle, without loosing any of its musical integrity. Delightful!

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AVISHAI COHEN ~ AFTER THE BIG RAIN ANZIC 5101 (Barcode: 616892887928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 2nd album by Israeli (resident in US) trumpeter / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the bass player of the same name), one of several Israeli Jazz musicians who are already firmly established on the international scene. Avishai is the brother of Anat CohenFind albums by this artist and Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, both gifted reeds players, and together they perform under the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist moniker. This album is the first release of a Jazz trilogy called "Big Rain", and presents Cohen in a quintet setting with guitarist Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist, bassists Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Chekere player Yosvany TerryFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The ensemble creates together a highly atmospheric and beautiful mixture of Jazz and World Music, which is a superb example of how Jazz can be saved from stagnation and pushed beyond its usual perimeters. Cohen skillfully employs the trumpet´s natural lyricism as well as electronic effects to produce a plethora of different sounds. Lindner´s playing is delicate and touching, especially when he uses the Fender Rhodes (no other keyboard except the Hammond has such profound and unique sound for me). Loueke´s guitar adds ethnic colors and his occasional vocals (in the Fon language) take the music straight into the heart of Africa. Avital is brilliant, as always, with his bass pulsating like a heart of the music and finally Freedman ornaments the music rather than driving it forcefully, which in this case is exactly what the music needs. Cohen composed most of the music, with Lindner and Loueke contributing one tune each. Altogether this album is an excellent example of creative contemporary Jazz, combining tradition with vision, excellently executed and uplifting. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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AVISHAI COHEN ~ FLOOD ANZIC 5102 (Barcode: 896434001153) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2008 3rd album by Israeli (resident in US) trumpeter / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the bass player of the same name), and the second release of a Jazz trilogy called "Big Rain". This time Cohen presents an intimate format of a trio, with pianist Yonathan AvishaiFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. The format and the music are quite different on this release, minimalistic and insightful, yet clearly continuing the lyricism and ethnic influences of its predecessor. The music, all composed by Cohen, is all acoustic and the naked sound of the instruments presents an enormous challenge with no escape or margin for errors, a test all the musicians pass with flying colors. Cohen´s complete control of the trumpet´s tonality and vibrato are impressive. Avishai´s piano lines are always elegant and complement Cohen´s phrases tastefully and intelligently. Freedman is faced with the tough challenge of keeping the music together and provide the rhythmic glue, which again he performs gracefully and respectfully, keeping his contributions mostly in the background. In spite of the limitations imposed by the trio format, the album presents a full-scale musical experience, which is exactly right and completely fulfilling. Again this album is an excellent example of creative contemporary Jazz, combining Jazz tradition with ethnic influences, beautifully played and recorded. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 15/09/2024Posted:

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