Record Reviews

YOTAM BEN-OR ~ IMPERMANENCE NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 195269345440) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 - 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 2nd album by Israeli harmonica player / composer Yotam Ben-OrFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Venezuelan pianist Gabriel ChakarjiFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Alon NearFind albums by this artist and drummer Alon BenjaminiFind albums by this artist. Legendary Swedish cellist Lars DanielssonFind albums by this artist guests on one track and vocalist Esther QuansahFind albums by this artist guests on another. The album presents ten tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Ben-Or, one is composed by Chakarji and finally one is by Argentinean musician / composer Carlos AguirreFind albums by this artist. The music is an interesting collection of highly melodic tunes, which span several genres, including Latin Jazz and other World Music influences, as well as more mainstream Jazz compositions. The harmonica is extremely rare as a leading instrument in the Jazz milieu these days, and as such immediately rises reservations as to its validity, but Ben-Or manages, with ease and elegance, to put all doubts aside, and proves that in the right hands (and mouth) it is a completely legitimate instrument within the Jazz setting. Chakarji is also a very talented pianist and adds a strong musical layer, which supports the harmonica throughout the entire duration of the album. The rhythm section is also very supportive and keeps the pulsing layer firmly and amicably reassuring the musical flow. Overall, this is a beautiful and quite sonically unusual Jazz album, which is definitely worthy of being discovered, as it should find immediate fondness among many Jazz listeners, who are ready to discover something less common within the Jazz scene. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 17/04/2026Posted: 17/04/2026

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