Record Reviews

ARI EREV ~ CLOSE TO HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 195079892035) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the fourth album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist, recorded with a core trio which includes bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and Slovenian (resident in Israel) drummer Gasper BertonceljFind albums by this artist. Guest musicians include saxophonists Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, flautist Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Erev and five are arrangements of tunes by other composers. The music is, as always, first and foremost beautifully melodic, with strong rhythmic presence, all well within the mainstream Jazz idiom. Erev is a wonderful songweaver and his original melodies all sound like “instant” standards, even if heard for the first time. The rhythm section and guests all perform amicably of course, as expected from highly professional musicians, but personally Erev’s piano playing remains the focus of the album, and it never disappoints. His magic touch on the keyboard is pure delight and I have never enough of listening to him, with glimpses of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist lurking from above. Erev is not looking for any experimentation here, simply trying to deliver a highly melodic, pleasant and straight to the heart message of good time, which often gets forgotten in contemporary Jazz. This album is another solid addition to Erev’s recorded legacy, and a fine portrait of the diversity of Israeli Jazz, which sadly remains almost completely anonymous outside of the country’s borders. Highly recommended, as always, and hopefully we won’t have to wait another five years for the next one.

Updated: 14/05/2021Posted: 14/05/2021

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OFIR SHWARTZ ~ SHADES OF FISH HEVHETIA 0075 (Barcode: 8588005257138) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ofir ShwartzFind albums by this artist, recorded in a piano trio format with bassist Gal ShayaFind albums by this artist and Slovenian (resident in Israel) drummer Gasper BertonceljFind albums by this artist. It presents nine (one repeated twice) original compositions, all by Shwartz (and a short solo piano piece as a hidden bonus track). The music consists mostly of melodic, lyrical ballads, which are Shwartz´s preferred modus operandi, but this album also introduces w few new elements in his music, like Rocky rhythms and "harder" approach in some of the tunes and certain moments of free improvised passages. Fortunately he is able to handle the different musical environments with ease and elegance. As a result most of the album is similar to the debut album, well within mainstream Jazz and melodic material and only parts venture into more ambitious territory. The trio performance is excellent from start to finish and presents a very high level of interplay between the three individual musicians, who obviously treat each other with respect and sympathy. Shaya is a wonderful bass player, very expressive and melodic, able to carry a tune and cooperating fabulously with the piano. His tone and technique are both outstanding. Bertoncelj keeps a relatively low profile, as appropriate for a piano trio, but his presence is definitely felt at all times as part of the trialogue. Overall this is a very impressive sophomore release, clearly pointing out the way towards establishing a career for Shwartz, which he builds up consistently and scrupulously. This album is a treat for piano trio lovers, with a few surprises therein, and deserves to be heard far and wide. It is also the first Israeli Jazz album released on the excellent Slovak HevhetiaFind albums on this label label, hopefully by far not the last. Warmly recommended!

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