Record Reviews

ALBERT BEGER ~ PEACEMAKER ANOVA 028 (Barcode: 7290011799281) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 Although Israeli Jazz produced a vast amount of great musicians in its short life-span, many of which are now world-famous and enjoy success, especially on the NY scene, the two brightest and most visionary Israeli Jazz figures remain relatively anonymous outside of their homeland: clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist. Although separated by a generation gap, both Rubin and Beger made the decision of take the less-treaded path of Free Jazz and Improvised Music, shunning any commercial or non-artistic influences and remaining always true to their inner call. This is the 9th album by Albert Beger in 15 years of his recording legacy, adding another invaluable layer to his artistic heritage. Always re-inventing himself and arising life a phoenix from the ashes of whatever occupied his musical mindset previously, Beger presents here a new approach, using a new ensemble, which includes guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist, drummer Dan BenediktFind albums by this artist and Avi ElbazFind albums by this artist on electronics. This rejuvenated ensemble creates a completely new sound and enables Beger to explore new vistas, previously uncharted, like Rock rhythms and electronic ambience. As usual, he composed and arranged all the music, which is remarkably fresh and uplifting and also surprisingly melodic at times, which results in the music being probably more accessible to a larger audience than previously. But of course this new direction does not, by any means, signify any artistic compromises or "selling out". This is still absolutely brilliant music, intelligent and complex as always, and full of inner beauty and depth. It´s definitely time for Beger to be "discovered", as whatever he has to offer musically is no less valuable that anything else being created anywhere, and probably more so. This is essential stuff for mind and body – just let it in!

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IDO BUKELMAN ~ CRACKED SONG OUTNOW 001 (Barcode: 7290011216955) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist is one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In addition to his musical activities Bukelman recently combined forces with two other Israeli musicians (saxophonist Yoni KretzmerFind albums by this artist and guitarist Yair YonaFind albums by this artist) and together they launched a new Israeli record label, called OutNowFind albums on this label Recordings, dedicated to releasing their own music and other more ambitious and less commercial musical ventures, which otherwise would have very little (if any) chances to see the light of day at all. The label released its first six albums recently, of which this is the first one. Bukelman, who plays both acoustic and electric guitar, records in various settings, which include both solo and ensemble performances. This album finds him as a leader of a quartet, which includes his regular trio members: bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and drummer Udi ShlomoFind albums by this artist. Cellist Yuval MesnerFind albums by this artist joins them to form a quartet. The music, all composed by Bukelman, is surprisingly "well behaved" relatively to a Free Jazz setting, with clear melody lines stated throughout the improvisations. Although there´s plenty of freedom for the musicians to express their personal statements, the compositions are noticeably structured, which of course makes the music more accessible to a less experienced listener. In spite its free-spirit character, this music is far from being alienated from the Jazz tradition, which is one of its merits. The level of performances, interplay and personal statements is truly excellent throughout. Bukelman´s electric guitar sometimes ventures into Jazz-Rock territory with a slight scent of the free side of John McLaughlin, which I mean as a compliment considering my well known sympathy towards McLaughlin artistry. Mesner´s cello, excellent as always, paints a calmer atmospheric background and the rhythm section makes a superb effort to glue everything together, which is successful indeed. Altogether this is a first rate Free Jazz album, which most "regular" Jazz enthusiasts should enjoy as well. This level of musicianship, personal courage and dedication to the music is a heartwarming and one can hope that the future of noncommercial and artistic music in Israel has a new perspective in the hands of a new generation, which will take it further. This is brilliant stuff, not to be missed!

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IDO BUKELMAN ~ SOLO OUTNOW 005 (Barcode: 7290011216962) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is the debut solo recording by Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In contrast to his ensemble recordings or those with the EFTFind albums by this artist trio (also released on the great OutNowFind albums on this label Recording label) where he mostly plays electric guitar, on this album Bukelman opts for the acoustic guitar, except for one track on which he adds electronics. The music is very difficult to describe and belongs to the extreme Avant-Garde personal statements, which are incredibly difficult to access and assess. If anybody reading this is familiar with the work of the great British guitarist Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of the Improvised Music movement, then this might be a starting point. This does not mean of course that Bukelman is imitating Bailey´s work, as that would be an oxymoron, but stylistically and sonically the content of this album belongs in the same sphere. Obviously this is a very personal music and the question if it is communicative and transferable to the listener remains open and is largely up to the listener himself. Improvised Music is, after all, a very individual expression of a momentary inspiration. One should of course commend the Artist first for making such individual and unconventional statement and that for bringing it out in the open for others to experience. Hopefully there will be others open-minded enough to enjoy and appreciate this music.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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IDO BUKELMAN ~ THE DOOR KADIMA COLLECTIVE 33 (Barcode: 7290011216009) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the second solo recording by Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In contrast to his ensemble recordings or those with the EFTFind albums by this artist trio, where he mostly plays electric guitar, on his solo albums Bukelman opts for the acoustic guitar, adding also banjo and some percussion on this one. Of the eleven tracks on this album, all composed by him, the last six are connected into a suite, which gives the album its title. In comparison to his previous solo album ("SoloFind albums with this title"), recorded just a few months earlier, this album is much more relaxed and "well behaved", with clear melodic content popping out between and behind the freely improvised passages. Of course this is still very much Improvised Music, very personal and complex, which presents quite a challenge to the listener, but the overall effect of this album is definitely less stressful and estranging. With four albums recorded and released in less than a year Bukelman emerges as a major talent of the local scene, one that deserves to be followed carefully, open-mindedly and openheartedly as a source of some serious musical experiences. Hopefully there will be an audience open-minded enough to enjoy and appreciate this music.

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EFT ~ EFT OUTNOW 003 (Barcode: 7290011216948) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 The Israeli experimental trio EFTFind albums by this artist (Electro Free Trio), which consists of guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, electronics manipulator Daniel DavidovskyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ofer BymelFind albums by this artist, released its debut album recently on the excellent OutNowFind albums on this label label. Probably the most adventurous music ensemble on the local scene, the trio presents a completely unique amalgam of Noise, high power distorted Rock, Jazzy improvisations and a plethora of electronically generated sounds, all these spontaneously created during a process of telepathic musical conversation. Although basically belonging to the Improvised Music genre, the music is somewhat different from the typical IM setting, which usually originates in Jazz, as it is more related to Rock and its experimental area. Of course the nature of such personal and intimate music is often completely impenetrable and remains valid mostly to its creators. The music presented here, although often difficult and definitely nontrivial, manages to be communicative to those, who are ready to make the intellectual effort and open their ears and minds. One must of course commend the courage and determination of these young musicians to create such highly distinctive music, risking alienation and misinterpretation by critics and audiences alike. It´s great to have such music recorded and released, against all odds, and hopefully in time the circle of connoisseurs able and willing to make an intellectual effort it requires will steadily grow. This is an album definitely worth investigating, especially for those more adventurous listeners out there!

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TAL GUR ~ AIR PORTRAIT NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 7290012058035) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 1st album by Israeli saxophonist Tal GurFind albums by this artist with his quartet, which includes guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Ehud EttunFind albums by this artist and drummer Ariel ArmoniFind albums by this artist. Gur also composed all the music recorded on the album. The quartet performs excellently, considering the relatively tender age of the participants and the compositions are interesting and well developed. Buckelman is doing an excellent job by constructing layers of harmonics behind the leader, using electronic effects on his guitar, but avoiding any Fusion excursions. This is all straight-ahead contemporary Jazz, well executed and inspiring, although very much inside the established plateau and with no intentions to revolutionize anything. It is interesting to note that Gur plays the “straight” alto saxophone, an unusual version of the alto, which looks like the soprano. The instrument does have a unique sound, which adds to the album’s originality. Altogether an excellent debut and another promise for the future of Israeli Jazz, which is enjoying quite a renaissance since the turn of the Century. Definitely worth investigating!

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YONI KRETZMER ~ OVERLOOK OUTNOW 002 (Barcode: 7290011216986) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 Israeli saxophonist / composer Yoni KretzmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In addition to his musical activities Kretzmer recently combined forces with two other Israeli musicians (guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist and guitarist Yair YonaFind albums by this artist) and together they launched a new Israeli record label, called OutNowFind albums on this label Recordings, dedicated to releasing their own music and other more ambitious and less commercial musical ventures, which otherwise would have very little (if any) chances to see the light of day at all. The label released its first six albums recently, of which this is the second one. Kretzmer, who leads several different ensembles, recorded this album with his quartet, which also includes bass clarinetist Nitai LeviFind albums by this artist, bassist Shai RanFind albums by this artist and drummer Haim PeskoffFind albums by this artist. The music, all composed by Kretzmer, is a prime example of contemporary Free Jazz, which is still very much linked with the Jazz tradition. The musical conversations between the two reedmen / soloists, which are prominent throughout the album, are the basis for extended individual solos. The rhythm session is an essential part of the collective improvisation and continuous stability, although enjoys a fair measure of musical freedom as well. The overall atmosphere of the album harks back to the early heydays of the genre, with Albert AylerFind albums by this artist and Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist spiritually present in the recording studio. The leader´s virtuosity is plainly evident from the very opening of the album and never ceases to amaze the listener. It is heartwarming to see such level of overall musicality on the local Israeli scene and although many of our musicians share their time between Israel and the European / American scene, they are after all "ours". With such players around, the Israeli Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene is alive and kicking with hardly any inferiority complexes around. This is a superb piece of music, from start to finish and an absolute must to every Israeli Free Jazz connoisseur!

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