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  | GILAD HEKSELMAN ~ HEARTS WIDE OPEN LE CHANT DU MONDE 2037 (Barcode: 3149024203725) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011
This is the 3rd album by the sensational Israeli guitarist / composer Gilad HekselmanFind albums by this artist, who resides in NY since 2004, as do many other Israeli Jazz players. Hekselman quickly established himself as one of the top guitar players on the NY scene, a fact that is not a result of any publicity stunts but simply his incredible talent. With his tone very similar to early Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist, he is often compared to Metheny, but that kind of comparison is somewhat superficial. Hekselman is much more Jazz oriented than Metheny ever was in fact. Critics and more importantly fellow musicians agree unanimously that Hekselman was blessed with exceptional talent and his meteoric rise to fame is fully justified. This album, recorded with Hekselman´s regular trio: bassist Joe MartinFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcus GilmoreFind albums by this artist and with guest appearance on four tracks by saxophonist Mark TurnerFind albums by this artist, presents eight original compositions, which are all ideal vehicles for the leader´s display of his guitar magic, which is pretty amazing from start to finish. Clear, elegant, pure and melodic, his playing is always right on top of what is best for the music at any particular moment. Never clotted or overcrowded by too many notes, which usually plagues guitar players, he dances on his strings like leaves on a spring breeze, as if fingers and brain commands had nothing to do with it. But honestly, and most importantly, this is 100% unadulterated Jazz, free of any attempts whatsoever to become a neck-breaking Fusion trip, another plague of today´s guitar players. If this is what Hekselman is capable of at the tender age of 28, his future seems to be laid out for him on a golden path to stardom. Hopefully his head is not lost in the process. Hats off to you, Gilad and God Bless!
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