Record Reviews

IDO BUKELMAN ~ CRACKED SONG OUTNOW 001 (Barcode: 7290011216955) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist is one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In addition to his musical activities Bukelman recently combined forces with two other Israeli musicians (saxophonist Yoni KretzmerFind albums by this artist and guitarist Yair YonaFind albums by this artist) and together they launched a new Israeli record label, called OutNowFind albums on this label Recordings, dedicated to releasing their own music and other more ambitious and less commercial musical ventures, which otherwise would have very little (if any) chances to see the light of day at all. The label released its first six albums recently, of which this is the first one. Bukelman, who plays both acoustic and electric guitar, records in various settings, which include both solo and ensemble performances. This album finds him as a leader of a quartet, which includes his regular trio members: bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and drummer Udi ShlomoFind albums by this artist. Cellist Yuval MesnerFind albums by this artist joins them to form a quartet. The music, all composed by Bukelman, is surprisingly "well behaved" relatively to a Free Jazz setting, with clear melody lines stated throughout the improvisations. Although there´s plenty of freedom for the musicians to express their personal statements, the compositions are noticeably structured, which of course makes the music more accessible to a less experienced listener. In spite its free-spirit character, this music is far from being alienated from the Jazz tradition, which is one of its merits. The level of performances, interplay and personal statements is truly excellent throughout. Bukelman´s electric guitar sometimes ventures into Jazz-Rock territory with a slight scent of the free side of John McLaughlin, which I mean as a compliment considering my well known sympathy towards McLaughlin artistry. Mesner´s cello, excellent as always, paints a calmer atmospheric background and the rhythm section makes a superb effort to glue everything together, which is successful indeed. Altogether this is a first rate Free Jazz album, which most "regular" Jazz enthusiasts should enjoy as well. This level of musicianship, personal courage and dedication to the music is a heartwarming and one can hope that the future of noncommercial and artistic music in Israel has a new perspective in the hands of a new generation, which will take it further. This is brilliant stuff, not to be missed!

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YONI KRETZMER ~ OVERLOOK OUTNOW 002 (Barcode: 7290011216986) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 Israeli saxophonist / composer Yoni KretzmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In addition to his musical activities Kretzmer recently combined forces with two other Israeli musicians (guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist and guitarist Yair YonaFind albums by this artist) and together they launched a new Israeli record label, called OutNowFind albums on this label Recordings, dedicated to releasing their own music and other more ambitious and less commercial musical ventures, which otherwise would have very little (if any) chances to see the light of day at all. The label released its first six albums recently, of which this is the second one. Kretzmer, who leads several different ensembles, recorded this album with his quartet, which also includes bass clarinetist Nitai LeviFind albums by this artist, bassist Shai RanFind albums by this artist and drummer Haim PeskoffFind albums by this artist. The music, all composed by Kretzmer, is a prime example of contemporary Free Jazz, which is still very much linked with the Jazz tradition. The musical conversations between the two reedmen / soloists, which are prominent throughout the album, are the basis for extended individual solos. The rhythm session is an essential part of the collective improvisation and continuous stability, although enjoys a fair measure of musical freedom as well. The overall atmosphere of the album harks back to the early heydays of the genre, with Albert AylerFind albums by this artist and Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist spiritually present in the recording studio. The leader´s virtuosity is plainly evident from the very opening of the album and never ceases to amaze the listener. It is heartwarming to see such level of overall musicality on the local Israeli scene and although many of our musicians share their time between Israel and the European / American scene, they are after all "ours". With such players around, the Israeli Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene is alive and kicking with hardly any inferiority complexes around. This is a superb piece of music, from start to finish and an absolute must to every Israeli Free Jazz connoisseur!

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YAIR YONA ~ REMEMBER ANOVA 014 (Barcode: 7290011799144) ~ ISRAEL ~ World Music & Folklore Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This instrumental album by Israeli guitarist / composer Yair YonaFind albums by this artist is extremely difficult to categorize, as it is truly cross-genre. Yair´s composition move freely between Folk, Country and contemporary Classical music, but they are all beautifully melancholic and full of interesting melody lines. A host of guest musicians help along, mostly playing string instruments, which are used both in the background and as in full-fledged string arrangements. Yair plays a plethora of acoustic guitars; 6 and 12 strings, slide, bass and others. The overall effect is quite effective and certainly worth listening to. Recommended to connoisseurs of more eclectic and demanding music, which requites attentive listening.

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