Record Reviews

OMER AVITAL ~ NEW SONG PLUS LOIN 4568 (Barcode: 3760002142340) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the ninth album as a leader by Israeli Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist, a member of the constantly expanding group of Israeli Jazz musicians, who managed to establish an international following both in the USA and in Europe. On this album, which was recorded in France and released on a French label, he plays in a quintet setting with Israeli trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (resident in the USA), American saxophonist Joel FrahmFind albums by this artist, Israeli pianist Yonathan AvishaiFind albums by this artist (resident in France) and American drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Avital. Musically the album reflects Avital´s interest in Jazz-World Fusion, with his music incorporating a wide range of folkloristic elements, both those he was exposed to as a child in Israel like Middle Eastern Arab, Yemenite, Moroccan and Sephardic Jewish religious music, as well as more remote influences like Cuban, Salsa and other sources. All the compositions on this album integrate one or more of such folkloristic motifs, either in the melody line or in the rhythmic background or both. The problem is that all of that has been already done by Avital and of course by countless other Jazz musicians in the last couple of decades, and as a result these songs might be new per se, but they in fact do not propose any innovation, neither in Avital´s work nor on an overall scale. In addition the music sounds "nice" and rounded, almost danceable, and after a few songs simply seems to follow a pattern of unremarkable mainstream, sparkled with ethnic elements, which lacks any musical ambition and is unfortunately pretty ordinary. That is pretty sad, as Avital is surely capable of producing much more ambitious music than this one. Hopefully all will be better next time.

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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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