Record Reviews

ARI EREV ~ FLOW NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 889211668571) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by Israeli pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist, recorded this time by a core trio with veteran bassist Eli MagenFind albums by this artist and drummer Ron AlmogFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist is featured on five tracks and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist on four others. The album presents twelve compositions, nine of which are originals by Erev, one is a standard, another is a Brazilian tune and finally one is an Israeli evergreen, all arranged by him. As usual with Erev, each of his albums is quite different from its predecessors and this one is no exception, with a clear emphasis on Latin rhythms and catchy melodic themes. His deep lyricism is mostly subdued this time and surfaces mostly on the title track and occasionally here and there, with the rest of the album being on the lighter side of the idiom. Nevertheless the album is beautifully played, with Erev weaving wonderfully melodic piano lines and Magen supporting him amicably with his clear, tasteful bass pulsations, the drummers being right there on time and Cohen´s smooth soprano saxophone sounds dancing in the wind. Overall this is another valuable addition to Erev´s recorded legacy, and a document of the diverse Israeli Jazz scene, of which I am always proud. Erev might be a representative of the traditional mainstream on this album, but he is definitely a traditionalist in the best meaning of the phrase, a true gentleman and a great Artist. For fans of melodic, relaxed Jazz this is definitely a true gem.

Updated: 27/01/2016Posted: 27/01/2016

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ARI EREV ~ A HANDFUL OF CHANGES NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 885767262577) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 Almost four years after his sensational debut album, Israeli pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist returns with his second album as a leader. As the title suggests, it´s all about changes, and therefore this outing is very different from the previous one in every respect. Whereas the debut was a classic piano trio album, with subtle, delicate and often introvert musical love-making, this one is joyous and energetic, recorded mostly in a quintet setting. Of the eleven compositions included herein, seven are Ari´s originals, two are by the great Israeli composer Alexander ArgovFind albums by this artist and the remaining two are standards. The quintet, which recorded most of the music, consists of prominent American (NY) tenor and soprano saxophonist Joel FrahmFind albums by this artist, Ari on piano, bass guitarist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, drummer Eitan ItzcovichFind albums by this artist and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist. Bassist Tal RonenFind albums by this artist plays double bass on three tracks and reeds player Ofer ShapiroFind albums by this artist plays alto saxophone on one track and clarinet on another. The overall level of performance is absolutely spotless from start to finish, presenting sophisticated and intelligent mainstream Jazz, which is as good as anything recorded in America or Europe in the same category. Volinez and Itzcovich are a formidable rhythm section, with decades of playing together behind them; Shapiro delivers a wonderfully heartfelt clarinet work; Dobrecky ornaments the music with his rhythmic inventions, adding a slightly exotic tinge; Frahm plays beautifully and skillfully; but of course it´s Ari´s piano work that shines brightly and is exceptionally lovely throughout. His touch and intimate feel for the melody is absolutely gorgeous and as much as I try to forget it, it keeps reminding me of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist´ playing. My personal favorite track on this album is the wonderful piano / sax duet, which in its intimacy and nakedness presents the beauty of the music at its fullest. But of course the entire album is a feast from start to finish. I can only thank Ari and his cohorts for bestowing upon us all such wonderful music. It proves that the Israeli Jazz scene, regardless of the fact if it happens here or in the middle of NY, reached a maturity and professionalism I dreamt about since decades. Hats off Ari and may the (Jazz) Force be with you!

Updated: 06/03/2025Posted:

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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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