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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EFT ~ EFT OUTNOW 003 (Barcode: 7290011216948) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 The Israeli experimental trio EFTFind albums by this artist (Electro Free Trio), which consists of guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, electronics manipulator Daniel DavidovskyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ofer BymelFind albums by this artist, released its debut album recently on the excellent OutNowFind albums on this label label. Probably the most adventurous music ensemble on the local scene, the trio presents a completely unique amalgam of Noise, high power distorted Rock, Jazzy improvisations and a plethora of electronically generated sounds, all these spontaneously created during a process of telepathic musical conversation. Although basically belonging to the Improvised Music genre, the music is somewhat different from the typical IM setting, which usually originates in Jazz, as it is more related to Rock and its experimental area. Of course the nature of such personal and intimate music is often completely impenetrable and remains valid mostly to its creators. The music presented here, although often difficult and definitely nontrivial, manages to be communicative to those, who are ready to make the intellectual effort and open their ears and minds. One must of course commend the courage and determination of these young musicians to create such highly distinctive music, risking alienation and misinterpretation by critics and audiences alike. It´s great to have such music recorded and released, against all odds, and hopefully in time the circle of connoisseurs able and willing to make an intellectual effort it requires will steadily grow. This is an album definitely worth investigating, especially for those more adventurous listeners out there!

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EHRAN ELISHA / ROY CAMPBELL ~ WATCHING CARTOONS WITH EDDIE OUTNOW 004 (Barcode: 7290011216979) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2011 This wonderful album by drummer Ehran ElishaFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Roy CampbellFind albums by this artist is a sort of tribute to the early Free Jazz Giants like Don CherryFind albums by this artist, Ed BlackwellFind albums by this artist, Bill DixonFind albums by this artist and others. Elisha and Campbell collaborated and recorded together in the past and their musical dialogue if full of mutual friendship, respect and admiration. All the music on the album is composed or co-composed by them. The title track refers to the fact that Elisha, while being a student and later a friend of the legendary drummer Ed Blackwell, often watched cartoons with the master in order to relax before the lessons. Of course the concept of the drums-trumpet duet in Free Jazz is not completely unusual, with the legendary Ed Blackwell / Don Cherry album "MuFind albums with this title" being an early example. Originally released in 1969 that double LP was a revolutionary step forward, redefining and expanding the genre´s borders. In the course of history several other noticeable drums-trumpet duet albums were also recorded. The idea behind this album is an imaginary double LP project, which embodies a series of imaginary duets between Blackwell and other Free Jazz Giants. Both Elisha and Campbell are already established names on the scene and Free Jazz connoisseurs most probably already came across their work – if not it´s about time to remedy that mistake. Elisha´s ability to play the drums as a melodic instrument (as opposed to a purely rhythmic one) is truly remarkable. His extended solo passages never cease to amaze as far as inventiveness and sensitivity are concerned. Campbell´s minimalism, combined with his complete command of his instrument is highly effective and artistically sublime. Their duets are wonderful example of two musicians listening to each other at all times, giving up their egos in order to achieve a fusion of their powers and a higher level of unity. I can´t imagine any Free Jazz enthusiast not finding this album worthy of their attention. Great stuff!

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IDO BUKELMAN ~ SOLO OUTNOW 005 (Barcode: 7290011216962) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is the debut solo recording by Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In contrast to his ensemble recordings or those with the EFTFind albums by this artist trio (also released on the great OutNowFind albums on this label Recording label) where he mostly plays electric guitar, on this album Bukelman opts for the acoustic guitar, except for one track on which he adds electronics. The music is very difficult to describe and belongs to the extreme Avant-Garde personal statements, which are incredibly difficult to access and assess. If anybody reading this is familiar with the work of the great British guitarist Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of the Improvised Music movement, then this might be a starting point. This does not mean of course that Bukelman is imitating Bailey´s work, as that would be an oxymoron, but stylistically and sonically the content of this album belongs in the same sphere. Obviously this is a very personal music and the question if it is communicative and transferable to the listener remains open and is largely up to the listener himself. Improvised Music is, after all, a very individual expression of a momentary inspiration. One should of course commend the Artist first for making such individual and unconventional statement and that for bringing it out in the open for others to experience. Hopefully there will be others open-minded enough to enjoy and appreciate this music.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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EHRAN ELISHA / HAROLD RUBIN / HAIM ELISHA ~ EAST OF JAFFA OUTNOW 006 (Barcode: 7290011216009) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This brilliant album is a document of a completely improvised recording session involving three great musicians: drummer / composer Ehran ElishaFind albums by this artist, legendary clarinetist / composer Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and Ehran´s father pianist Haim ElishaFind albums by this artist. The music consists of a series of trio and duo spontaneous improvisations, with Rubin and his clarinet strongly in the limelight as the most dazzling musical personality in the room. After all Rubin is almost singlehandedly responsible for the existence of the Israeli Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene and his genius is unparalleled on the worldwide scale. This is a superb example of such music at its best, which is characterized by the overall feeling that the music was carefully arranged and rehearsed before the recording, where in fact if wasn´t at all. Rubin leads the way by suggesting his charming melody lines, which are then masterly supported by Ehran´s sensitive drumming and Haim´s delicate piano phrases. His ability to weave these incredible melodies out of thin air, which are full of the sadness and joy of Jewish spiritual music, Middle Eastern twists and turns and Rubin´s own inventions is always absolutely stunning, even for someone like myself, who has experienced it firsthand for almost thirty years now. The fact that Rubin is not widely known as one of the greatest Jazz musicians that ever walked on this planet is an absolute crime of ignorance. This album might as well serve as a textbook example of what Free Jazz / Improvised Music is all about: individual genius, the ability to combine individuality into group unity, telepathic exchange of ideas on the fly, mutual respect and empathy and a bit of divine intervention, which makes it all happen at a certain place at a certain time. We mere mortals should be only grateful that the music was captured for posterity, for us to enjoy. An absolute must!

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HAROLD RUBIN TRIO ~ AIR KISS SUITE OUTNOW 034 (Barcode: 7132893701528) ~ ISRAEL ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is a live album by Israeli Jazz clarinetist / composer / bandleader Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and my dear Friend, whose albums I released for many years on my JazzisFind albums on this label Records label. This impromptu recording, captured in Harold’s living room in his Jaffa apartment, was one of his last recordings before his lamented death in 2020. The music was recorded by a trio, which includes also two young Israeli improvisers: pianist Illay SabagFind albums by this artist and bassist Asaf ShchoriFind albums by this artist. The album presents four tracks, all parts of the suite which gives the album its title. All three musicians are co-credited as composers. The music is completely improvised, as appropriate for Rubin’s modus operandi in his late period, when he completely abandoned pre-conceived / composed music in favor of spur of the moment improvisation. And yet his music always included a “melodic” substance, which was embedded in his subconscious performing mechanisms. Despite his advanced age and poor health, his playing is absolutely vibrant and creative, with the two young musicians following his lead to the best of their abilities. Harold’s genius is still intact and this album proves that he was the greatest improviser of all time on the Israeli scene. Writing about this music seems to me as futile as writing about emotions, since the message received by the listener is in this case so absolutely personal and indescribable as they come. I have listened to Harold’s music for decades, and still every time I hear it the experience is new and as exciting as it was at the first time. I can only hope this incredible feeling can be shared by others. Overall, this is another document of Improvised Music at its absolute best, at its pure core so to speak, which should really grab all fans of this music deeply. Harold’s music remains, sadly almost completely unknown to the music lovers worldwide, in it probably will stay this way, but here is one more chance to get exposed to his Genius!

Updated: 19/04/2024Posted: 19/04/2024

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