Record Reviews

ZIV RAVITZ ~ IMAGES FROM HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884502258578) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the debut recording as a leader by Israeli drummer / composer Ziv RavitzFind albums by this artist, who is one of several Israeli Jazz musicians, which managed to earn respect and admiration on the worldwide scene and become a highly sought after studio figure. His superb ability to play in highly versatile settings as well as his unusual open-mindedness and virtuoso performances justify his reputation completely. His numerous recordings with some of the Jazz most well known names, both in Europe and the US, are all excellent examples of his great talent. His drumming is perhaps the best ever synthesis of the Jazz tradition and the Middle East rhythmic heritage. This wonderful album presents Ravitz in an intimate setting with just two musicians: pianist Omer KleinFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist. Of the eleven tracks on the album, ten are Ravitz original and one is an Israeli standard. A female vocalist (Mika HaryFind albums by this artist) guests on the last track. The music is excellent from start to finish, as are the performances. Strongly influenced by his Israeli musical heritage, as the title suggests, Ravitz unwinds his melodies emphasizing the rhythmic patterns, which are absolutely thrilling and fascinating. The music is very subtle, presented in duo or trio format, which enables the listener to hear every note and leaves no margin for error. In retrospect this is one of the best Israeli Jazz albums recorded in the first decade of the 21st Century, which sadly slipped unnoticed under the radar, but it is not to late to discover it now – and discovering it is highly recommended for any connoisseur of great Jazz. Most highly recommended!

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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!

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