Record Reviews

JOHN BOSTOCK ~ JOURNEY TO GYTHIA NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 Australian born pianist / composer John BostockFind albums by this artist has been living in Israel since the late 1980s and by now is an integral part of the local music scene. Although primarily celebrated for his work in the contemporary Classical Music, his ongoing flirt with Jazz has become his second nature by now. Although some Jazz motifs have sneaked here and there into his Classical compositions over the years, this is debut Jazz album. The music was written about a decade prior to the recording, inspired by his trip in Greece. Bostock attempted to record the music shortly after it was written but abandoned the project, obviously not “ready” at the time. His instinct paid off big time, as I can’t imagine a more perfect execution of this music other than what is present on this record. Supported by two marvelous players: Guy LevyFind albums by this artist on bass and Danny BenedictFind albums by this artist on drums, this piano trio (my favorite Jazz format) is truly exceptional, bringing immediate associations with Bill EvansFind albums by this artist being the most obvious, especially in view of the absolute technical brilliance and fluidity of Bostock’s piano playing, the amazing interplay between the trio members and the romantic, lyrical character of the music. The music, all composed by Bostock (except for one standard) is also exceptional. Beautifully melodic and yet full of brilliant ideas and harmonic surprises, seemingly “easy” on the ear but full of unique ideas. In short – a great example of what Jazz is really all about. I must admit that this album shatters one of the “commonly known” cliches: “Classical musicians can’t swing”, as it swings like hell from start to finish. Beautifully recorded (by Yair NisimovFind albums by this artist at HaOgen studios – where I recorded many of my productions), with perfect balance between the three instruments, which is so devilishly difficult to achieve, it surely deserves the title of an audiophile recording. I can say with clear conscience that this is one of the best Jazz albums ever recorded in Israel and I can’t wait for the next Bostock piano trio album. Marvelous!

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