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.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

REA BAR-NESS ~ REMEMBER & FORGET NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 080000049018) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 There seem to be no limits to the explosion of musical talent emerging on the Israeli scene since the beginning of the 2000’s. This exceedingly wonderful debut album by drummer / composer Rea Bar-NessFind albums by this artist is so good that I (with so many years of Jazz behind my ears) could not believe I was listening to an album by young Israeli Jazz musicians when I heard it for the first time. This sounds as good as any Jazz ensemble featuring top world musicians. I know it sounds rather incredible, but it is 100 % true and very easily verifiable – just listen to it. Bar-Ness composed all the music and selected a superb team of musicians to perform it, which includes Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist / Gilad AbroFind albums by this artist – acoustic bass, Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Omri MorFind albums by this artist – piano, Amos HoffmanFind albums by this artist – guitar and oud and Asaf YuriaFind albums by this artist – tenor sax. Omer Avital is an amazing bass player of the same magnitude as Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist, who is now considered one of the top bass players in the world. Amos Hoffman is an extremely gifted guitar player, but also a virtuoso oud player and he recently released a superb solo album featuring the oud (Middle-Eastern string instrument), where he plays some divine World music. Hoffman oud contributes some Middle-Eastern colorings to the album, but these are very subtle and tasty, which means that this is music is still very firmly based on the Jazz idiom and not moving towards Jazz-World Fusion, as many other Israeli albums do lately. If this is Rea’s debut album I can hardly wait for his next album. I have not heard anything that good in ages. If you are a Jazz lover – this is an absolute must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ANAT COHEN ~ NOTES FROM THE VILLAGE ANZIC 1302 (Barcode: 896434001177) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 4th album by Israeli (resident in US) clarinetist / saxophonist / composer Anat CohenFind albums by this artist, sister of trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who are also collectively known as the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist. Cohen is already established as one of the leading female Jazz performers in the US and her previous releases have earned her much deserved critical acclaim. On this album Cohen returns to a classic quartet format, with keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist (the only non-Israeli on this album), bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Gilad HekselmanFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. Cohen´s prime instrument is the clarinet, which she plays masterfully and with a unique lyricism, rooted deeply in the Jewish tradition of that instrument, but she also plays the soprano and tenor saxophones and bass clarinet on this album, displaying her instrumental versatility. Half of the album´s material comprises of Cohen´s original compositions, the rest are standards, including a great version of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s "After The Rain". It is a real pleasure to hear these young, but extremely talented musicians, carrying the Jazz tradition into the next Century, expanding it with their own fresh ideas and youthful enthusiasm. Cohen masterly mixes Middle Eastern, Cuban, and above all Jewish ethnic elements into her delivery, with deep sensitivity and finesse. Overall this is a great Jazz album, which is also accessible to a much wider audience beyond the hard-core Jazz circle, without loosing any of its musical integrity. Delightful!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

AVISHAI COHEN ~ AFTER THE BIG RAIN ANZIC 5101 (Barcode: 616892887928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 2nd album by Israeli (resident in US) trumpeter / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the bass player of the same name), one of several Israeli Jazz musicians who are already firmly established on the international scene. Avishai is the brother of Anat CohenFind albums by this artist and Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, both gifted reeds players, and together they perform under the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist moniker. This album is the first release of a Jazz trilogy called "Big Rain", and presents Cohen in a quintet setting with guitarist Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist, bassists Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Chekere player Yosvany TerryFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The ensemble creates together a highly atmospheric and beautiful mixture of Jazz and World Music, which is a superb example of how Jazz can be saved from stagnation and pushed beyond its usual perimeters. Cohen skillfully employs the trumpet´s natural lyricism as well as electronic effects to produce a plethora of different sounds. Lindner´s playing is delicate and touching, especially when he uses the Fender Rhodes (no other keyboard except the Hammond has such profound and unique sound for me). Loueke´s guitar adds ethnic colors and his occasional vocals (in the Fon language) take the music straight into the heart of Africa. Avital is brilliant, as always, with his bass pulsating like a heart of the music and finally Freedman ornaments the music rather than driving it forcefully, which in this case is exactly what the music needs. Cohen composed most of the music, with Lindner and Loueke contributing one tune each. Altogether this album is an excellent example of creative contemporary Jazz, combining tradition with vision, excellently executed and uplifting. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

YUVAL COHEN ~ FREEDOM ANZIC 3101 (Barcode: 6168928822303) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 1st album by Israeli saxophonist / composer Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who with his two siblings Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (trumpet) and Anat CohenFind albums by this artist (clarinet and saxophone) co-leads the Jazz group 3 CohensFind albums by this artist (The “other” Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist, who is a famous bass player, is their cousin BTW). Yuval is a very gifted and accomplished musician, with an impressive musical education and experience, but the “real” story behind this album is the tragedy he experienced, when he became paralyzed as a result of an illness. After years of surgery, excruciating pain and suffering, he finally recovered, after having to re-learn how use his body and how to make music – an incredible triumph of mind and willpower over the human body. Yuval writes in the liner notes: “I would like to dedicate this album to the heroes of life, those people with disabilities who wake up each morning to discover afresh the powers hidden in their bodies and spirits which enable them to get through the day”. Now to the music – Yuval composed nine of the ten tracks on this album and performs them with his quartet, where he plays the soprano saxophone and which includes Gilad HexelmanFind albums by this artist on guitar, Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist on bass and Daniel FriedmanFind albums by this artist on drums. Avishai on trumpet and Anat on clarinet guest on a few tracks. The music flows beautifully and is high spirited and very well performed. Yuval’s compositions are consistently excellent and the overall result should satisfy every lover of contemporary mainstream Jazz. Another proud addition to the growing Israeli Jazz legacy.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RAVID KAHALANI / YEMEN BLUES ~ YEMEN BLUES TAV 8 7290105161031 (Barcode: 7290105161031) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 - 2010 Released: 2011 This is a brilliant example of the musical fusion that is happening in Israel in the last decade. The dozens of different cultures living side by side in the tiny country of Israel are a fertile ground for interconnections and unexpected fusions since many years, but the last decade has been especially fertile, with new ensembles springing to life all the time. Vocalist / composer Ravid KahalaniFind albums by this artist collected around him a remarkable ensemble of gifted Israeli players, mostly with a strong Jazz background, and together they recorded this superb album, which combines African, Yemenite, Middle Eastern and other musical cultures, rhythms and traditions, fusing them all together into an amalgam, which is deeply moving and overwhelmingly beautiful. Kahalani wrote all the music and the lyrics (in several languages) and sings them simply breathtakingly. Yemen BluesFind albums by this artist was born when Kahalani met Israeli Jazz bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist, who adorned Kahalani´s music with brilliant Jazzy arrangements, which are intelligent and subtle enough not to overshadow the folkloristic roots, but add interesting layers and unexpected twists. Avital plays bass and oud on the album and the other musicians are: Galia HaiFind albums by this artist on viola, Hilla EpsteinFind albums by this artist on cello, Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist on flute, Itamar BorochovFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Avi LebovichFind albums by this artist on trombone, Itamar DoariFind albums by this artist and Rony IwrynFind albums by this artist on percussion. People interested in Jazz-World Fusion will be delighted with this album from the first time they hear it, and I can only recommend everybody to try it out! Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

HADAR NOIBERG ~ JOURNEY BACK HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884502383195) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli flautist Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist, who lives, composes music and performs in NY, recorded with her trio, which consists of two other Israeli compatriots currently residing in NY: bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Ziv RavitzFind albums by this artist. Appropriately entitled "Journey Back HomeFind albums with this title", the album reflects Hadar´s Israeli / Middle Eastern cultural roots much stronger than her affiliation with American Jazz, which of course works in her favor. Evidently the longing for native shores and the sounds implanted in her mind when she grew up in Israel all floated up to the surface, when she wrote and arranged the music, which makes up this beautiful ode to her true homeland. Israelis, perhaps more that any other People on this planet, are seldom able to disconnect themselves from their true source, even after living abroad for extended periods of time. So here we have it: the sound of desert winds, see breezes, distant hills, Bedouin tents, camel caravans, herds of sheep tendered by lonely shepherds sending their tunes of solitude wrought on a wooden flute… all of these are reflected both melodically and rhythmically by Hadar´s music. With today´s omnipresence of World Music elements, these lovely tunes sound completely natural to anybody, who is true music connoisseur. Of course there is plenty of Jazz here, no need to worry about that; it is a Jazz album after all. Hadar´s cohorts are both well seasoned and exceptionally talented Jazz players. Avital, with his deep and steady bass pulsations is the ideal partner for Hadar´s flute, providing the earthly connection to her windy improvisations. Avital´s bass (and occasional oud) is the firm basis, carrying the music like a magic carpet, far away, but always exactly on track. Ravitz ornaments the music with endless percussive inventions, which make the music sparkle like a multicolored veil, rather that forcing the rhythms. He is blessed with the rare gift of being able to produce a feel of a rhythm rather that the actual rhythmic pattern itself, leaving the rest to the listener´s imagination. So here you have it: an album full of beautiful, moving, intelligent music performed masterly by exceptional musicians, who dedicate their lives to make our lives worth living. I must admit that listening to this music makes me proud to be an Israeli, which is not often an easy undertaking these days. Thank you Hadar, Omer and Ziv for this wonderful musical experience; may others enjoy it as much as I did!

CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

DANIEL ZAMIR ~ AMEN TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290010781539) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is the 4th album by brilliant Israeli saxophonist / composer Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist, one of most renowned Israeli Jazz musicians born in the country, who also managed to establish an international career. Zamir was born to a secular family, but during his stay in the US re-discovered Jewish religion and became an orthodox Jew. Zamir lived in the US since 2000 and returned to Israel in 2006, where he now lives, writes music, performs and records. During his stay in US he was "discovered" by John ZornFind albums by this artist and eventually recorded four (so far) albums for Zorn´s TzadikFind albums on this label label. This is his first album recorded and released in Israel. His music is a wonderful mixture of Klezmer, Jewish music, Eastern European and of course Jazz, which is completely unique. His technical fluency and unlimited expressionist powers place his among the world´s saxophone virtuosi. He now plays the soprano saxophone exclusively and his sound is often reminiscent of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s. This album includes music composed entirely written by him and he´s accompanied by some of the best Israeli Jazz players: Omri MorFind albums by this artist – piano, Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist – bass and Daniel FriedmanFind albums by this artist – drums. Israeli trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The album is a beautiful listening experience to every sensitive music lover, with everybody being able to discover the many different facets of this great music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DANIEL ZAMIR ~ MISSING HERE TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290013087850) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is the 7th album by brilliant Israeli saxophonist / composer Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist, one of most renowned Israeli Jazz musicians born in the country, who also managed to establish an international career. Zamir was born to a secular family, but during his stay in the US re-discovered Jewish religion and became an orthodox Jew. Zamir lived in the US since 2000 and returned to Israel in 2006, where he now lives, writes music, performs and records. During his stay in US he was "discovered" by John ZornFind albums by this artist and eventually recorded four (so far) albums for Zorn´s TzadikFind albums on this label label. This is his third album recorded and released in Israel. His music is a wonderful mixture of Klezmer, Jewish music, Eastern European and of course Jazz, which is completely unique. His technical fluency and unlimited expressionist powers place his among the world´s saxophone virtuosi. He now plays the soprano saxophone exclusively and his sound is often reminiscent of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s. This album includes music composed entirely written by him and he´s accompanied by some of the best Israeli Jazz players: Omer KleinFind albums by this artist – piano, Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist – bass and Aviv CohenFind albums by this artist – drums. Guest players include trumpeter Itamar BorochovFind albums by this artist and trombonist Avi LeibovitchFind albums by this artist. Israeli singer / pianist Eviatar BanaiFind albums by this artist guests on the title track. The album is a beautiful listening experience to every sensitive music lover, with everybody being able to discover the many different facets of this great music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend