Record Reviews
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  | COMMON BOND ~ RHYTHM OF LIFE NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
1st album by Israeli ensemble Common BondFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist and composer Kobi ShefiFind albums by this artist. Although founded at the end of the 1990s, the nine-piece band took a long time to mature and develop. They recorded a demo album a few years back, but this is their formal debut release, and as it turns out it was worth waiting for. In many respects this is one of the finest albums ever recorded in this country and it encapsulates the capabilities of the phenomenal new generation of Israeli musicians.
Kobi, who wrote most of the music and the spectacular arrangements on this album, is a seasoned player with solid Jazz background (he was a member of Harold RubinFind albums by this artist’s group ParparFind albums by this artist). Drummer Roni ZadikFind albums by this artist, who is another veteran musician, keeps the music incredibly tight, regardless of the complex rhythmic patterns. All the other players are slightly younger (late 20s / early 30s) with extensive musical education and performing experience.
The surprise of the album is the 19 years old vocalist Marina MaximilianFind albums by this artist (Blumin), born in Ukraine and immigrated to Israel as a child. She is undoubtedly the most original and spectacular Israeli vocalist since Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist 40 years ago. Her extraordinary technique, range and self-confidence could all be easily mistaken as belonging to a 40 years old veteran superstar.
The band creates an incredible big sound, with intricate brass arrangements and jazzy solos, but the music combines (as the band’s name suggests) the best of Jazz, Fusion, Funk and World Music elements into an amalgam of rare beauty and spectacular effect. Think Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, Tower Of PowerFind albums by this artist and SantanaFind albums by this artist with a dash of Middle Eastern and Balkan melancholy, fronted by a diva. Absolutely stunning!
Since the album was released, Common Bond performed extensively in many countries with enormous success and they are surely destined to go far. Unfortunately Marina left to follow her solo career (after capturing the entire Israeli public through her participation in a TV talent-discovery show), and was replaced by another very talented singer Anat Ben HamoFind albums by this artist. If you wish to explore the wonderful world of new Israeli music – this is the album to start with. You are in for a treat of your (musical) life.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ IVORY TOWER NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
Harold RubinFind albums by this artist not only single-handedly created the improvised music scene in Israel since the early 1990’s, but was also the spiritual father of an entire generation of young Israeli players, who were receptive and open-minded enough to embrace this musical form. Many of the players, who started their way in various trios / quartets led by Harold, became leaders and first-rate musicians in their own right, often returning to play with their mentor years later. This album is an example of such a case, as it brings Harold together with a former member of his group ParparFind albums by this artist (Butterfly in Hebrew), pianist Daniel SaridFind albums by this artist. Sarid took part in the recording of the wonderful meeting between Harold and the Polish saxophonist Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist (released on JazzisFind albums on this label Records) a decade earlier and this album puts them side by side in the studio again. Of course Daniel refined and advanced his music immensely over the years and this meeting places him alongside Harold not as a student / disciple, but as an equal partner in the creative process. About a year before these sessions were recorded, Daniel recorded an excellent duo / trio album with his partner Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist (see their album on EarsayFind albums on this label Records), so it was only natural to have Hagai as the drummer. Young bass player Adam SheflanFind albums by this artist completed the quartet. The music is of course outstanding, as one might expect. Although written by Harold, other quartet members contributed a lot of creative input. There is plenty of wonderful solos and the quartet swings beautifully, even though the music is mostly free spirited and improvised. Harold recites some of his poems (with music in the background), something that has become an integral part of his unique Jazz act. This is a superb album in every respect and my only hope is that as many people can access this heavenly music as humanly possible.
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