Record Reviews

COMMON BOND ~ RHYTHM OF LIFE NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 1st album by Israeli ensemble Common BondFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist and composer Kobi ShefiFind albums by this artist. Although founded at the end of the 1990s, the nine-piece band took a long time to mature and develop. They recorded a demo album a few years back, but this is their formal debut release, and as it turns out it was worth waiting for. In many respects this is one of the finest albums ever recorded in this country and it encapsulates the capabilities of the phenomenal new generation of Israeli musicians. Kobi, who wrote most of the music and the spectacular arrangements on this album, is a seasoned player with solid Jazz background (he was a member of Harold RubinFind albums by this artist’s group ParparFind albums by this artist). Drummer Roni ZadikFind albums by this artist, who is another veteran musician, keeps the music incredibly tight, regardless of the complex rhythmic patterns. All the other players are slightly younger (late 20s / early 30s) with extensive musical education and performing experience. The surprise of the album is the 19 years old vocalist Marina MaximilianFind albums by this artist (Blumin), born in Ukraine and immigrated to Israel as a child. She is undoubtedly the most original and spectacular Israeli vocalist since Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist 40 years ago. Her extraordinary technique, range and self-confidence could all be easily mistaken as belonging to a 40 years old veteran superstar. The band creates an incredible big sound, with intricate brass arrangements and jazzy solos, but the music combines (as the band’s name suggests) the best of Jazz, Fusion, Funk and World Music elements into an amalgam of rare beauty and spectacular effect. Think Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, Tower Of PowerFind albums by this artist and SantanaFind albums by this artist with a dash of Middle Eastern and Balkan melancholy, fronted by a diva. Absolutely stunning! Since the album was released, Common Bond performed extensively in many countries with enormous success and they are surely destined to go far. Unfortunately Marina left to follow her solo career (after capturing the entire Israeli public through her participation in a TV talent-discovery show), and was replaced by another very talented singer Anat Ben HamoFind albums by this artist. If you wish to explore the wonderful world of new Israeli music – this is the album to start with. You are in for a treat of your (musical) life.

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