Record Reviews

HADAR NOIBERG ~ JOURNEY BACK HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884502383195) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli flautist Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist, who lives, composes music and performs in NY, recorded with her trio, which consists of two other Israeli compatriots currently residing in NY: bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Ziv RavitzFind albums by this artist. Appropriately entitled "Journey Back HomeFind albums with this title", the album reflects Hadar´s Israeli / Middle Eastern cultural roots much stronger than her affiliation with American Jazz, which of course works in her favor. Evidently the longing for native shores and the sounds implanted in her mind when she grew up in Israel all floated up to the surface, when she wrote and arranged the music, which makes up this beautiful ode to her true homeland. Israelis, perhaps more that any other People on this planet, are seldom able to disconnect themselves from their true source, even after living abroad for extended periods of time. So here we have it: the sound of desert winds, see breezes, distant hills, Bedouin tents, camel caravans, herds of sheep tendered by lonely shepherds sending their tunes of solitude wrought on a wooden flute… all of these are reflected both melodically and rhythmically by Hadar´s music. With today´s omnipresence of World Music elements, these lovely tunes sound completely natural to anybody, who is true music connoisseur. Of course there is plenty of Jazz here, no need to worry about that; it is a Jazz album after all. Hadar´s cohorts are both well seasoned and exceptionally talented Jazz players. Avital, with his deep and steady bass pulsations is the ideal partner for Hadar´s flute, providing the earthly connection to her windy improvisations. Avital´s bass (and occasional oud) is the firm basis, carrying the music like a magic carpet, far away, but always exactly on track. Ravitz ornaments the music with endless percussive inventions, which make the music sparkle like a multicolored veil, rather that forcing the rhythms. He is blessed with the rare gift of being able to produce a feel of a rhythm rather that the actual rhythmic pattern itself, leaving the rest to the listener´s imagination. So here you have it: an album full of beautiful, moving, intelligent music performed masterly by exceptional musicians, who dedicate their lives to make our lives worth living. I must admit that listening to this music makes me proud to be an Israeli, which is not often an easy undertaking these days. Thank you Hadar, Omer and Ziv for this wonderful musical experience; may others enjoy it as much as I did!

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