Record Reviews

ALBERT BEGER ~ THIS LIFE NMC (ISRAEL) 20288 (Barcode: 7290003512928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 2nd album by Israeli saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist and his quartet with John BostockFind albums by this artist on piano, Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist on bass and Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist on drums. As usual Beger wrote all the music on this album, which is excellently performed by the quartet members. The album marks Beger’s transition between modern Jazz and Improvised Music, which he will be involved with on his later recordings. The material on this album is still firmly based on the Jazz tradition, with melodic content and traditional harmonic structures. Beger’s solos however are mostly free form, spinning and floating above the basic chord changes. His virtuosity and flair are clearly apparent and the album established Beger as one of Israeli leading players. All the other quartet members do an excellent job, each in his respective field. Bostock is a master of harmony, supplying the main melodic structures and playing a few excellent solos. Meyer’s solid bass glues the music together and keeps the time beautifully and Sirkis, by far the best Israeli drummer, drives the music forward with his excellent feel and energy. As all Beger’s output, this album firmly confirms that although small, the Israeli Jazz scene is capable of producing recordings of the same quality as anything recorded in Europe or the US. Recommended! Out of print - last copies in stock!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOHN BOSTOCK ~ SEEING SKY NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 - 2006 Released: 2007 Australian born pianist / composer John BostockFind albums by this artist has been living in Israel since the late 1980s and is one of the most interesting musicians active in the country. His activities encompass the fields of contemporary Classical Music, Improvised Music and Jazz. He won several important awards for his classical compositions and his Jazz activities include many performances and recordings, with two albums as a member of Albert BegerFind albums by this artist’s group and a piano trio album Journey To GythiaFind albums with this title from 2004. This new album collects Bostock’s solo piano pieces, recorded over a period of eight years. He composed all the music, except one standard, which ranges from completely improvised pieces and spontaneous compositions to improvisations on written themes. It might come as a great surprise to the listener to find out how beautifully melodic this music is, even when completely improvised. Full of lyricism and melancholy, the melody lines come and go, shifting in the shadows of the music. An attentive listener can immerse himself in the magic completely, floating on the gentle waves in total bliss (not recommended for driving!). Although sometimes resembling Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist’s solo recordings, this music has none of Jarrett’s tenseness and stressfulness. The sound quality is exceptional and the piano sounds completely realistic with great presence and sound clarity. This is a real gem and a true piece of musical bliss – an island of serenity in the havoc that surrounds us all. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend