Record Reviews

MICHEL SAJRAWY ~ WRITINGS ON THE WALL OZELLA 016 (Barcode: 4038952000164) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2009 This is the 2nd album by superb Israeli guitarist Michel SajrawyFind albums by this artist, and a commendable follow up to his sensational debut recording, which exposed him to worldwide audiences. Sajrawy is one of very few Israeli Arabs, who play Jazz and the first to truly incorporate the traditional elements of Arabic music and the Jazz idiom. This album is much closer to modern Jazz and less Fusion influenced than his debut album, recorded in a classic quartet setting with a piano trio: Franck DhersinFind albums by this artist on piano, Valeri LipetsFind albums by this artist on bass and Ameen AtrashFind albums by this artist / Evgeni MaistrovskiFind albums by this artist on drums. Sajrawy composed all the music, which again is closely related to Jazz, with the Oriental elements being much more subtle and distinguishable mostly in his guitar phrasing. His tone and fluency are truly amazing, displaying all the elements that distinguish the best guitar players from the countless others, who play the instrument. The rhythm section is also excellent all the way, providing a solid foundation for the expanded improvisations by the leader. The pianist has an excellent touch and sensitivity to provide just the right amount of harmonic background to make the music flow effortlessly and his solos, although brief, are right on the money. Sajrawy truly deserves to break the barrier of relative anonymity and play on the biggest stages worldwide, as there are very few players who deserve it as much as he does. If you don´t believe me, just listen to this music and eat your hat ;) In this case the saying: "hearing is believing" seems suitable more that ever! This is an essential album for every guitar lover on this planet, not that I have any illusions as to this happening in reality, but I just have to do my part here. Buy or die!

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