Record Reviews

SHLOMI GOLDENBERG ~ BLUES STRAIGHT AHEAD NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Israeli saxophonist / composer Shlomi GoldenbergFind albums by this artist is one of the most active musicians on the local scene. Shlomi released his debut recording on my JazzisFind albums on this label label almost 20 years ago, and he´s been recording and releasing albums ever since. This album presents him in a quartet setting with pianist Nitzan GavrieliFind albums by this artist, bassist Nadav LahishFind albums by this artist and drummer Roi UlielFind albums by this artist, playing what seems at first glance as a nostalgic set of his own Blues-based compositions, similar to the material recorded by many Jazz Giants at the outset of their careers, especially John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Although the music is definitely straight-forward, it is by no means simplistic. If fact it is often more challenging to play today in a straight-forward manner than explore the thrills of freedom that Jazz allows, provided of course that the straight-forward performance is as good as the one presented here. Shlomi´s ability and fluidity as a player are quite evident here, when he soars during his solos and he´s superbly supported by the pianist and the rhythm section. All the musicians have a great grasp of the Blues background so omnipresent in Jazz, enabling them to explore the compositions to their full potential. Overall this is an excellent album from start to finish, somewhat nostalgic, but very much contemporary at the same time. I´m sure that this album can be enjoyed by many Jazz connoisseurs around the world.

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SHLOMI GOLDENBERG ~ FLOWER NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 005500465083) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 - 2004 Released: 2004 Israeli saxophonist / composer Shlomi GoldenbergFind albums by this artist is one of the most active musicians on the local scene. Shlomi released his debut recording on my JazzisFind albums on this label label almost 20 years ago, and he´s been recording and releasing albums ever since. This album presents his retrospective material as a composer / player during his stay in the US in the late 1980s, recorded with various ensembles Shlomi calls the Little Big BandFind albums by this artist. Here the players include mostly American Jazz musicians: pianists John MedeskiFind albums by this artist and Thomas McKinleyFind albums by this artist, bassists Weseley WorthFind albums by this artist and Gary PeacockFind albums by this artist, drummers Gordon GrothentallerFind albums by this artist and Alex DeutchFind albums by this artist. A few Israeli players are also present and include saxophonist Avram FeferFind albums by this artist, pianist Eli MeiriFind albums by this artist and others. The music, written entirely by Shlomi (except for one standard) is a set of modern Jazz compositions, which in retrospect emphasize Shlomi´s talent as a composer, which was evident already from the very start of his career. The performances are excellent, with Medeski delivering some incredible soloing, for which he is now famous. Shlomi proves again his versatility and talent as a player and a composer, firmly establishing his reputation as one of the leaders of the Israeli Jazz scene.

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SHLOMI GOLDENBERG ~ JAZZ ECLECTICO NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 Israeli saxophonist / composer Shlomi GoldenbergFind albums by this artist is one of the most active musicians on the local scene. Shlomi released his debut recording on my JazzisFind albums on this label label almost 20 years ago, and he´s been recording and releasing albums ever since. This album presents him as a leader of his Little Big Band, an ensemble he´s been leading over the years, which often changes its lineup. Here the players include other Israeli veterans alongside younger performers, and include vibraphonist Rami ShulerFind albums by this artist, flautist / keyboardist Rostik LermanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Hod MoshonovFind albums by this artist, bassist Ran LeviFind albums by this artist and drummer Doron RephaeliFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Zahi FriedmanFind albums by this artist guests on one tune. The music, written entirely by Shlomi, is a set of modern Jazz compositions, often bordering on Fusion and using Afro-Cuban / Salsa rhythmic patterns. More electric and vigorous that most of the material Shlomi recorded in the past, this is nevertheless a most enjoyable album with many excellent solos and an overall high spirited atmosphere. Shlomi proves again his versatility and talent as a player and a composer, firmly establishing his reputation as one of the leaders of the Israeli Jazz scene.

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