Record Reviews

ARI EREV ~ ABOUT TIME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 094922849564) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 1st album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist. The title is most appropriate, as Ari has been playing and composing for quite a while and it’s about time for us to enjoy the fruits of his labor. The album presents him in a piano trio setting (my favorite Jazz format) with Israeli veterans Yorai OronFind albums by this artist on bass and Gideon PasahovFind albums by this artist on drums. Of the thirteen tunes played six are original compositions, five are standards (two of them not surprisingly by Bill Evans) and the remaining two are his interpretations of Israeli evergreens by Shalom HanochFind albums by this artist and Nurit HirshFind albums by this artist. It’s pretty obvious, from the very first few chords on this album, that Ari is deeply inspired by the piano work of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, with Evans’ spirit hovering over his shoulder at all times. The choice of material, the delicate touch, the intrinsic melancholy are all signatures of the great Master. Of course Ari manages carefully to avoid the trap of becoming an Evans impersonator, and his own personal approach is strong enough to indicate his own input. Overall this is a splendid album, quiet and introversive, full of beauty and romance. Considering the fact that this is a first of its kind recording in Israeli Jazz, I can only congratulate him for this wonderful gift to our country’s cultural legacy and Jazz achievements. Most warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

YONI RECHTER ~ MUSIC IS WHAT COUNTS TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290105161734) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2012 This is a wonderful live recording by Israel´s most important composer / pianist / vocalist Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. In the last 40 years Rechter enriched the Israeli Culture by a vast amount of absolutely superb songs, which are all instant classics. His monumental talents, completely unique approach to melody and profound lyricism are unparalleled and have always been a beacon of light in the dreary musical landscape, which usually surrounds us. Rechter´s songs have been an important catalyst, which launched the careers of many top Israeli artists, such as Gidi GovFind albums by this artist, Yehudith RavitzFind albums by this artist and many others. This recording captures a performance at the annual "Piano Festival", which gave Rechter an opportunity to produce a marvelous retrospective of his work, featuring his old and new songs and performing them with many guests, who came to pay a well deserved tribute to his genius. Rechter plays piano and keyboards and is accompanied by a small ensemble with consists of guitarist Aharoni BenariFind albums by this artist, bassist Yorai OronFind albums by this artist and drummer Tal CohenFind albums by this artist. Several other musicians also take part, including the excellent saxophonist Eli DegibriFind albums by this artist, percussionist Joca PerpignanFind albums by this artist and a string quartet. Several guest vocalists take part in the recording, including Yehudith Ravitz, NatanelaFind albums by this artist, Rona KeinanFind albums by this artist and Shlomi ShabanFind albums by this artist. There is so much wonderful music included here, that it seems almost ridiculous to recommend it to others, but honestly anybody, who loves Israeli music, or just quality music, regardless of where it comes from, will enjoy this immensely. A masterpiece!

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend