Record Reviews

HUMAN FACTORY ~ THE HUMAN FACTORY JAZZ972 001 (Barcode: 7293372462795) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Human FactoryFind albums by this artist is an Israeli jazz quintet led by one of the veterans of the local scene – Amikam KimelmanFind albums by this artist. Kimelman has a long and distinguished record behind him. He belongs to the first generation of Israeli-born jazz musicians and began to practice his Art when jazz was a true underground scene. He was one of the founders and principal teachers of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, the fist such institution to undertake the jazz education of the Israeli youngsters. In time Rimon’s graduates became the foundation of the local music scene and many of them achieved international fame and success. Kimelman recorded several albums and led numerous ensembles, The Human Factory being the latest one. The release of the group’s album also marks the birth of a new record label, called Jazz972Find albums on this label, dedicated to the documentation of the flourishing local jazz scene (same as JazzisFind albums on this label Records 20 years earlier). The Human Factory is quite an unusual quintet, as the instruments include sax, trombone, guitar, bass and drums (reminiscent of some of the splendid Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist’s groups). The guitarist is Aharoni BenariFind albums by this artist – past member of Israel’s excellent Jazz-Rock-Funk-Latin group AtrafFind albums by this artist – here playing mainstream jazz for the first time. The other musicians are: Idan WalishFind albums by this artist – trombone, Dima GrotskyFind albums by this artist – bass and Shai ZelmanFind albums by this artist – drums, all very talented and experienced players. Kimelman composed five of the seven compositions included on the album, Benari brings one of his own and the last tune is based on an Israeli folk melody. The album is a splendid example of how the Israeli jazz scene grew up in the last couple of decades from infancy to maturity. It can easily stand up to any jazz album recorded anywhere else in Europe or US. Recommended to all fans of Israeli jazz and modern jazz lovers all over the world.

Updated: 06/03/2025Posted:

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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!

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