Record Reviews

HAROLD RUBIN ~ IVORY TOWER NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 Harold RubinFind albums by this artist not only single-handedly created the improvised music scene in Israel since the early 1990’s, but was also the spiritual father of an entire generation of young Israeli players, who were receptive and open-minded enough to embrace this musical form. Many of the players, who started their way in various trios / quartets led by Harold, became leaders and first-rate musicians in their own right, often returning to play with their mentor years later. This album is an example of such a case, as it brings Harold together with a former member of his group ParparFind albums by this artist (Butterfly in Hebrew), pianist Daniel SaridFind albums by this artist. Sarid took part in the recording of the wonderful meeting between Harold and the Polish saxophonist Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist (released on JazzisFind albums on this label Records) a decade earlier and this album puts them side by side in the studio again. Of course Daniel refined and advanced his music immensely over the years and this meeting places him alongside Harold not as a student / disciple, but as an equal partner in the creative process. About a year before these sessions were recorded, Daniel recorded an excellent duo / trio album with his partner Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist (see their album on EarsayFind albums on this label Records), so it was only natural to have Hagai as the drummer. Young bass player Adam SheflanFind albums by this artist completed the quartet. The music is of course outstanding, as one might expect. Although written by Harold, other quartet members contributed a lot of creative input. There is plenty of wonderful solos and the quartet swings beautifully, even though the music is mostly free spirited and improvised. Harold recites some of his poems (with music in the background), something that has become an integral part of his unique Jazz act. This is a superb album in every respect and my only hope is that as many people can access this heavenly music as humanly possible.

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