Record Reviews

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.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RIMONA FRANCIS ~ RIMONA FRANCIS WITH STU HACOHEN ORCHESTRA HELICON 94136 (Barcode: 7293627413626) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2000 1st album by Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist, the legendary Israeli jazz singer. This was one of the first jazz albums recorded in Israel and the original LP changed hands for asrtonomical amounts of money. Rimona recorded just 2 albums in Israel and left to live in Germany, where she pursued the singing career for a while (recording one great album for MPSFind albums on this label) and then left the music business. She is a phenomenal singer with an individual approach to jazz vocals, the first in the world to combine classical jazz elements and middle-eastern tonality. On this album she`s accompanied by her husband`s orchestra, which features all the great players from the first generation of Israeli jazz. This is not only a historical document of great importance, but also a superb album!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HAGIT GOLDBERG ~ MUSICAL & JAZZ NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 Although the Israeli Jazz scene developed rapidly in the last two decades, with a constant stream of new talent appearing at an ever-increasing paste, one area remains sadly almost completely uncovered – the jazz vocals. Since the early days of Jazz in Israel (going back 40 years or so) only a handful of female jazz singers (and no male singers at all) made any significant impact: Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist, Edna GorenFind albums by this artist, Iris PortugalyFind albums by this artist and Hagit GoldbergFind albums by this artist. Hagit has been around for quite a while. She started her singing career with the Israeli Airforce Big BandFind albums by this artist (which was at a certain period the best Israeli Big Band) and later on she left for the US to study at the Berklee College of Music. She stayed in the US (NY) for several years, performing in Musicals and with her jazz ensemble. Upon returning to Israel few years ago she started to perform on a regular basis and also to teach singing at the Rimon School and the Jerusalem Academy of Music. Over the years she gained a considerable performing experience and polished her act, but sadly never recorded a proper album. Therefore it is a joy to have her first solo album out finally. On the album she’s accompanied by a most sympathetic quintet, consisting of some of the best Israeli jazz players, led by bassist Arie VolinezFind albums by this artist, who also arranged the music. The repertoire includes a carefully selected set of songs, all of which originate from Broadway musicals. Hagit performs the songs with panache and wonderful taste and her beautiful, sexy voice fills the space with presence and tension. Her interaction with the band is absolutely fantastic, with short but excellent instrumental solos fitted just in the right spots. Listening to the album is an uplifting musical experience, highly recommended to all vocal jazz lovers. It was worth the long wait and one can only hope that the next one will come really soon.

Updated: 06/03/2025Posted:

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MIROSLAV VITOUS ~ MAJESTY MUSIC WOUNDED BIRD 4099 (Barcode: 664140409927) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the 4th solo album by Czech (resident in the US) bassist / composer Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist. Following his departure from Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, Vitous started a solo career playing with many of the most prestigious Jazz musicians over the years. This album was recorded with two Israeli musicians: saxophonist Jaroslav JakubovicFind albums by this artist (also of Czech origin) and vocalist / keyboardist Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist. Other musicians playing on the album included percussionist David Earle JohnsonFind albums by this artist, drummers Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist and Gerry BrownFind albums by this artist, electric bassist Francisco CentenoFind albums by this artist and a couple of others. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which were composed by Vitous, two by Jakubovic and one co-composed by them both. This is relatively a little known album by Vitous, despite the fact that it is one of his most interesting recordings, mixing elements of Fusion and World Music. The superb team of international musicians, and especially the presence of Rimona Francis and Jaroslav Jakubovic, make it completely unique in Vitous’ recording legacy. Overall, it is great to have this superb album on CD, and Weather Report fans should grab a copy instantly, before it disappears from the market like all other great reissues. I have no idea how I missed it till now?

Updated: 14/12/2023Posted: 14/12/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend