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  | MIFRAS ~ SET SAIL NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013
This is the debut album by the international Jazz quartet MifrasFind albums by this artist, led by Israeli (resident in Berlin) drummer / composer Tom DayanFind albums by this artist, with German saxophonist Markus EhrlichFind albums by this artist, German trombonist Nils MarquardtFind albums by this artist and Danish bassist Kenneth Dahl KnudsenFind albums by this artist (also resident in Berlin). Mifras is just one of many such international ensembles active on the thriving Berlin scene, which turn the City again into a significant European Cultural centre. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Dayan.
Obviously a pianoless / guitarless Jazz quartet faces the challenge of performing music without a harmonic instrument, which is relatively uncommon and presents a difficulty both for the performers and the listeners. However, thanks to the comfortable and open format of Dayan´s compositions, the quartet manages to create coherent musical structures, which sound interesting and are aesthetically pleasing. The relaxed atmosphere and lack of tension makes this music easy to be enjoyed. Personally the low-key, delicate, lyrical pieces are my preferable moments on this album.
The four musicians display a high level of interplay and obviously listen carefully to each other, which enables them to communicate well and exchange their ideas successfully. The two brass instrument trade licks and phrases continuously, soloing at lengths. The rhythm section often plays very ethnically, far away from the steady swing usually associated with Jazz, incorporating many World Music rhythmic elements, originating in Africa, Middle East, Caribbean and other cultures. As already mentioned this music offers a lot of freedom and often switches back and forth between composed parts and free improvisation, keeping the listener on his toes.
Overall this is a very promising debut by a very promising ensemble, which is definitely worth following. I am looking forward to their next effort.
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