Record Reviews

ALON FARBER / HAGIGA ~ DREAMS I DREAM ORIGIN 82923 (Barcode: 805558292323) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is an album by Israeli saxophonist / composer / bandleader Alon FarberFind albums by this artist and his ensemble HagigaFind albums by this artist, which this time is compressed into a classic quartet setting, with pianist Katia TooboolFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and drummer Yonatan RosenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Farber, one is by Toobool and one is by Oded MeirFind albums by this artist, the trombonist of the larger lineup of the ensemble. The music is all straightforward mainstream Modern Jazz, based on excellently composed and arranged, melody based pieces, superbly performed by the quartet. The smaller lineup of the ensemble allows the two soloists to shine more prominently, which they, as expected, do. Toobool is a wonderful melody weaver and her improvisations adorn the melody lines like a classy wedding dress does to a bride, with the help of Chantilly French lace. Farber is more like a pied piper of Hamelin, leading the listener wherever he wishes, unable to stop following his tangled musical lines. Together with the tight rhythm section, this version of Hagiga is a true joy to listen to, and easily holds its own against any similar ensemble worldwide. Overall, I really enjoyed this album immensely, without any reservations, which happens rather rarely when I listen to mainstream Jazz these days. There is enough elegance, talent and truthfulness both in the music and the performances to fully satisfy my spoiled / overloaded musical taste buds, and the fact that the music originates from home turf is even more enjoyable.

Updated: 14/11/2026Posted: 14/11/2026

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ALON FARBER / HAGIGA / DAVE DOUGLAS ~ THE MAGICIAN ORIGIN 82887 (Barcode: 805558288722) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is a live album by Israeli saxophonist / composer Alon FerberFind albums by this artist and his ensemble HagigaFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist / clarinetist Yehonatan CohenFind albums by this artist, trombonist Oded MeirFind albums by this artist, pianist Katia TooboolFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy OlielFind albums by this artist. The sextet is expanded to a septet with the addition of a distinguished guest, the American trumpeter Dave DouglasFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, three of which are original compositions by Farber and two by Douglas. The album offers an excellent sound quality, despite the fact that it was recorded live, and the music lasts for about forty minutes. The resulting ensemble produces a solid, powerful and highly swinging sound, which is very rarely produced by any other local Israeli Jazz outfits, with a distinct Modern Jazz timbre, sounding very “American”, which of course says a lot about the musicians’ professionalism and talent, but personally makes me wonder just a bit about the lost “local” originality, as the music lacks any Middle Eastern accents and characteristics whatsoever, which I suppose is intentional. Although based on very strict melodic compositions, the music allows a lot of space for individual contributions and even a momentary Free Style eruptions. The complex arrangements make things very interesting for the entire duration, with not a dull moment whatsoever. Douglas, a superb trumpeter by all means, fits the overall mood of the ensemble perfectly, and his soloing adds to, but does not change the existing elements. In fact, all the musicians perform splendidly and Farber obviously leads a tight ship as far as dividing the solo parts and executing the meticulous arrangements, and the result speaks volumes about his abilities as a leader. Overall, this is an excellent piece of highly dynamic Jazz music, beautifully crafted and emotionally performed by all the musicians involved, which deserves to be heard, especially by Jazz connoisseurs, who like larger ensembles with a lot of umpf, who don’t hold back. I would have loved if the album was somewhat longer, but I am just spoiled… Definitely well done!

Updated: 12/10/2026Posted: 12/10/2026

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ASSAF KEHATI ~ FLOWERS AND OTHER STORIES NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884501471824) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the 2nd album by Israeli (currently resident in the US) Jazz guitarist / composer Assaf KehatiFind albums by this artist. Following his studies at the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Israel Assaf received a scholarship and continued his studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he was immediately noticed for his talents as a player. In time he performed with many distinguished Jazz players and later founded his own quartet with saxophonist Alon FarberFind albums by this artist, bassist Daniel SapirFind albums by this artist and drummer Udi ShlomoFind albums by this artist, all three being also Israeli Jazz musicians. The album contains seven original compositions, which are all beautifully crafted. In fact it seems that his strength as a composer is as significant as his performing skills, a phenomenon which characterizes most young Israel Jazz players, who are part of a quite noticeable tribe occupying a respected position on the contemporary US scene, of which Assaf is now a proud member. The music is wonderfully versatile, with changing moods and tempi, but always highly melodic. Assaf plays some sweet licks and overall his approach to Jazz guitar is well based in tradition and at the same time very modern. He manages to stay away from the dreaded Fusion doodling, which is the plague of many contemporary players. All three members of his quartet give him full and sympathetic support and Alon´s solos are all excellent examples of intelligent and passionate modern Jazz. The rhythm section supports the two soloists formidably, and above all not intrusively, always there when needed most. Overall this is album is a real delight from start to finish, and should be able to defend itself even from the sternest critics. We can only hope for many more albums by Assaf in the future, assuming they will be all as good as this one. Congratulations are in order!

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