Record Reviews

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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ASSAF KEHATI ~ NAKED NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 888295121361) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the third album by Israeli, resident in the USA, guitarist / composer Assaf KehatiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with two Israeli players: bassist Ehud EttunFind albums by this artist and drummer Ronen ItzikFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, six of which are original compositions by Kehati and the remaining three are standards, arranged by him. Musically the album is kept well within the Jazz guitar tradition, sounding similar to the works of Masters like Jim HallFind albums by this artist and Joe PassFind albums by this artist, but of course quite original and personal. Kehati emphasizes not only his playing but also, and perhaps primarily, his compositional skills. His lyrical and beautifully melodic compositions are the heart and soul of this album. Overall this album is a very intimate affair, mostly quiet and slowly developing, full of wonderful guitar work, superbly supported by the rhythm section. Some Middle Eastern motifs can be heard as part of the melodic contents, but the music is not strongly influenced by World Music as such, staying within the mainstream Jazz milieu. It is quite difficult to find young guitar players these days, which are not immediately drawn into the abused Fusion and follow the great Jazz guitar tradition. Kehati is one of the few exceptions and he deserves to be encouraged and appreciated for doing just that. Of course his playing and music writing abilities are also great assets. Jazz guitar enthusiasts will find this album a must, but also every Jazz loving listener should be able to enjoy this eloquent and elegant music repeatedly. Well done!

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