Record Reviews

JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ RECOMP KADIMA COLLECTIVE 14 (Barcode: 634479745652) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 - 2007 Released: 2008 Israeli bassist and Improvised Music pioneer Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist revisits eleven musical pieces recorded live and in studio over a period of ten years, performing, what he calls recomposition of the pieces. In his own words: “As opposed to mere editing, recomp involves the deconstruction, subtraction, rearrangement, and reconstruction of the material. It not only changes the sequencing, but it radically affects the feeling and the flow of the music. It also changes the texture of the weave, the voice of the team, and the original intention, revealing new connections, transitions, and possibilities”. The pieces are duos and trios played with other Israeli Improvised Music musicians like Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (clarinet), Steve HorensteinFind albums by this artist (flute, bass clarinet & saxophone), Daniel HoffmanFind albums by this artist (violin) and others. One duet with world-famous Israeli bass player Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist is also included. As usual, this is very difficult music, suitable for enthusiasts of the genre, but also an extremely rewarding intellectual experience. It’s good to see some people still treating music as Art and not a commercial commodity.

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JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ WITH FRIENDS-DUOS II KADIMA COLLECTIVE 02 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 2nd volume of improvisational duos recorded by Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist with his friends in 2004 (with a few earlier pieces). As usual this music is highly intellectual, with very personal approach to inprovised free jazz. Friends include other Israeli improvisers (and members of the Kadima collective) like Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (clarinet), Gan LevFind albums by this artist (reeds), Daniel HoffmanFind albums by this artist (violin), a.m.o. A few guests from abroad are also present, like Ned RottenbergFind albums by this artist. Not easy music, but highly rewarding.

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ARIEL SHIBOLET / BETWEEN THE STRINGS TRIO ~ LIVE AT THE TEL AVIV MUSEUM KADIMA COLLECTIVE 13 (Barcode: 634479391576) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 2nd album by Israeli saxophonist Ariel ShiboletFind albums by this artist, this time in cooperation with the Between The Strings TrioFind albums by this artist (Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist – bass, Daniel HoffmanFind albums by this artist – violin and Nori JacobyFind albums by this artist – viola), recorded live at the Tel Aviv Museum. The concert includes three parts, starting with a solo soprano saxophone performance by Ariel, continued by a piece by the string trio and concluded by a quartet performance by Ariel with the trio. Over 61 minutes of purely improvised music, challenging and difficult as always, but deeply rewarding to the disciples of the genre. Ariel’s playing is deeply rooted in the tradition of the late period John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Steve LacyFind albums by this artist and Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, based on complete control of the instrument, virtuosity and of course relentless passion. The balance between Ariel and the string trio, as well as their cooperative group improvisation is truly inspiring. Contrary to popular opinion improvised music is definitely still alive and kicking, and the fact that it still thrives here in Israel (although abandoned in other places) makes me especially proud, proving the multi-cultural openness of our society.

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