Record Reviews

ASAF ~ SILENT PRAYER SOLITON 669 (Barcode: 5901571096698) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the second album by the Polish Jazz quartet ASAFFind albums by this artist, following a sixteen years break in its activity. The current lineup includes saxophonist Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist, pianist Joanna GajdaFind albums by this artist, bassist Franciszek PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist) and drummer Piotr JankowskiFind albums by this artist. Bassist Michal BakFind albums by this artist and vocalist Barbara PospieszalskaFind albums by this artist guest each on one track. The album presents seven original compositions, four recorded in studio and three recorded live on various occasions. Sikala and Gajda composed two of pieces each, Pospieszalski and Bak composed one piece each and the last is by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Andrzej CudzichFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed at a tragically young age in 2003. The debut album by ASAF from 2004 was dedicated to the memory of Cudzich. The music is strictly mainstream Jazz oriented, with solid melodic themes and straightforward arrangements, which offers little innovation or challenge but is excellently executed by the participating musicians, who are all highly professional. The superb saxophone parts by Sikala, who is after all one of the top Polish Jazz players, are especially impressive. Despite the fact that the album mixes studio and live recordings, the overall sound quality is very good and the album offers a coherent sound and stylistic continuity. The nature of the music is rather contemplative and as the album´s title and individual track titles (as well as the album´s liner notes) suggest, the music is an attempt to offer a spiritual message with the music serving as a medium. The atmosphere of some of the compositions is definitely soaked in deep melancholy, which of course every listener can interpret in his own way. Overall this is a good mainstream Jazz album, which should make fans of music closer to the American rather than European Jazz aesthetic very happy. Great compositions and perfect execution is exactly what the doc prescribed. Definitely worth checking out!

Updated: 26/05/2020Posted: 26/05/2020

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ASAF AVIDAN ~ NOW THAT YOU`RE LEAVING (EP) TELMAVAR 001 (Barcode: 827912048339) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Following the phenomenal success of Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist’s debut album “The ReckoningFind albums with this title”, he re-released his first recording made a year earlier, an EP with six songs he wrote (music and lyrics) and performed, which is now enjoying a great success as well, although overlooked at the time of the release. The music is very similar to the material included on the debut album and of the same excellent quality. The recording is a bit raw, but has a charm of freshness and youthful energy about it, which is overall quite nice. Asaf’s great talent as a writer and absolutely unique voice are unparalleled by almost nothing on the current music scene worldwide, and therefore this release is most welcome, enabling us to enjoy more of his extraordinary creations. Asaf should have been born 40 years ago and by now he’d have been a great Rock star, but alas in this cold and musically barren post-modern world he is still able to touch and excite some listeners, which hopefully is a sign that not everything is lost yet. This stuff was a classic even before it was placed on a piece of plastic, which now you can get to share his vision!

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ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ LUCKY MAN TELMAVAR 003-2 (Barcode: 7290013013118) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist and his band The MojosFind albums by this artist, recently snatched and singed by SonyFind albums on this label where this album will be released internationally in a few months from now. It was pretty obvious that one of the Majors will sign Avidan, as he obviously is now one of the most original singers in the entire world – a bold statement, but true nevertheless. His debut album left critics and audiences around the world stunned and sold a staggering number of copies, even though it wasn´t quite "easy" music at all. But Avidan´s incredible and completely unique voice and his unusual approach to vocal expression simply make him stand out like a beacon of light in the deep of the night. As good as the debut album was this one surpasses it magnificently, mainly due to the strength of the new material – all penned and composed by Avidan – which is much more mature, developed and diverse than the material on the debut album. Add to this the intelligent and perfectly executed musical arrangements, which involve both acoustic and electric instruments, and you get a monster album, which should satisfy any true music lover regardless of his usual music preferences. There is a bit of everything here: Blues, Rock, shades of Alternative and even shades of Prog, all beautifully amalgamated together, creating an enchanting listening experience. But words are not adequate to truly describe this music, simply get a copy and enjoy! Satisfaction guaranteed! Note: This album was released under two different titles – "Poor BoyFind albums with this title" and "Lucky ManFind albums with this title", with different packaging, but the musical content is identical! Slightly confusing, but a lot of fun!

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ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ POOR BOY TELMAVAR 003-1 (Barcode: 7290013013132) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist and his band The MojosFind albums by this artist, recently snatched and singed by SonyFind albums on this label where this album will be released internationally in a few months from now. It was pretty obvious that one of the Majors will sign Avidan, as he obviously is now one of the most original singers in the entire world – a bold statement, but true nevertheless. His debut album left critics and audiences around the world stunned and sold a staggering number of copies, even though it wasn´t quite "easy" music at all. But Avidan´s incredible and completely unique voice and his unusual approach to vocal expression simply make him stand out like a beacon of light in the deep of the night. As good as the debut album was this one surpasses it magnificently, mainly due to the strength of the new material – all penned and composed by Avidan – which is much more mature, developed and diverse than the material on the debut album. Add to this the intelligent and perfectly executed musical arrangements, which involve both acoustic and electric instruments, and you get a monster album, which should satisfy any true music lover regardless of his usual music preferences. There is a bit of everything here: Blues, Rock, shades of Alternative and even shades of Prog, all beautifully amalgamated together, creating an enchanting listening experience. But words are not adequate to truly describe this music, simply get a copy and enjoy! Satisfaction guaranteed! Note: This album was released under two different titles – "Poor BoyFind albums with this title" and "Lucky ManFind albums with this title", with different packaging, but the musical content is identical! Slightly confusing, but a lot of fun!

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ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ THE RECKONING TELMAVAR 002 (Barcode: 718122809523) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 The debut album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist (born in Jerusalem and aged 28) and his group the MojosFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly the most sensational Rock album ever released in the country. Apparently we had to wait for 60 years to get some real Rock happening here. Israel has produced some superb music over the years, but none of it was “real” Rock. We had plenty of excellent Pop, Art and Alternative Rock, even Progressive Rock, but nothing as gutsy, bluesy, smoky and throaty as this, ever! Imagine a hybrid between the young Robert PlantFind albums by this artist and Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist (if you can) and you get an idea how Asaf’s voice sounds. When I was first told about this album, I naturally thought the enthusiasm is a gross exaggeration. But the minute I heard the first sound uttered from the singer’s throat I understood this is real. His voice is not only unique in Israel, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s universally special. I have not heard anything like this anywhere. Add to this the fact that Asaf sings in English, completely without a trace of any foreign accent, as if he was born somewhere between West Bromwich and Texas. And of course he also wrote all the tunes and lyrics present on this album – all fifteen on them. I have no idea how to explain all this; it’s a bit early for genetic engineering so karma and reincarnation will have to do in the meantime. The fact is that this guy takes us all back 40 years when Rock really rocked. The material - all excellent with great melodies, non-trivial lyrics and intelligent arrangements – can be basically divided between two categories: hard-rocking up tempo tunes a la Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist (first album) and quiet introvert acoustic ballads Janis so wonderfully spilled out of her heart on PearlFind albums with this title. The band (the Mojos) support the singer all the way, with scorching lead guitar solos and rock-solid backing on the up-tempo numbers and delicate (acoustic guitar, cello, etc.) accompaniment behind the ballads. I know all this sounds just too good to be true – well, you won’t know unless you try it, will you? An instant classic!

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ASAF SIRKIS ~ SHEPHERD`S STORIES STONED BIRD 003 (Barcode: 680569811257) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is an excellent album by Israeli (living in London) drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Greek guitarist Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist, both also living in London. Several guest musicians are featured on selected tracks. The album contains eight original compositions, all written by Sirkis. Musically the album broadly belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, although it also amalgamates other influences, mostly folkloristic and ambient themes. There is a strong presence of melodic elements, most rather melancholic and somewhat mystical, which create an atmosphere of reflection and serenity. And yet the music is full of dynamics and drive, both on the low-key tracks and obviously on the up-tempo numbers. All these musicians are clearly masters of their trade. Spiliotopoulos plays some incredible licks, which could cause even the most famous guitarists to miss a heartbeat. His flow and apparent virtuosity are especially effective on the up-tempo numbers, where his performances sound similar to those of Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, without any attempt to copy them of course. Stavi is a very intelligent and proficient bassist, and his solid bass lines serve as the foundation upon all the music is based. He is also beautifully melodic and hassle-free. Sirkis, whom I know since his very early days as a drummer, became a Master of his trade, playing some amazing rhythmic patterns but always emphasizing the melody as well. His rolling technique is simply breathtaking, as is his ability to play forcefully and yet unobtrusively at once is truly sublime. This is an album for people who love guitar-based instrumental music, but don´t expect and razzle-dazzle neck-breaking trickery, ready to enjoy some elegant and meaningful music. This album promises to grow on the listener with time, always uncovering new vistas with every visit.

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ASAF SIRKIS ~ SOLAR FLASH MOONJUNE 117 (Barcode: 692287911720) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2021 This is an album by Israeli drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist recorded with a great trio including also British keyboardist (and a drummer himself) Maestro Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and bassist Kevin GlasgowFind albums by this artist. Polish vocalist Sylwia BialasFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks as does British guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Sirkis. I have had the pleasure of knowing Sirkis since his first steps as a musician and his first recordings were on my JazzisFind albums on this label label in the early 1990s and I enjoyed his success as one of the busiest drummers on the European Jazz scene over time. His impressive recorded legacy, both as a leader and sideman, recently mostly associated with the MoonJuneFind albums on this label label, is the best testimony of his great talent. The music on this album is probably his finest achievement as a composer so far. Most of the compositions are deeply lyrical and melancholic, resembling the music that characterizes Polish Jazz, and his examination of his Polish roots (that we both share) in the three-part “Polish Suite” present on this album, is definitely a deeply moving experience, with his wife’s vocalese emphasizing the East European influence. The instrumental performances are of course stellar, with Husband’s great sensitivity and Wingfield’s virtuosity combined into an irresistible flow of melodic magic. Sirkis keeps his drumming parts to a minimum, as highly appropriate for this deeply emotional music, which is a sign of his great taste and modesty. Overall, this is a monster album, full of great music and hair-raising performances by some of the best musicians around, which should keep all true music lovers around the globe perfectly happy. Although rooted in the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, it is so diverse and open-minded, that straightforward labeling does not apply to it at all. Hats off, my friend!

Updated: 16/09/2021Posted: 16/09/2021

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