Record Reviews

AVISHAI COHEN ~ FROM DARKNESS RAZDAZ 4616 (Barcode: 7290105166234) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 After flirting with Pop vocals and other non-Jazz explorations Israeli bassist Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist is back to basics, presenting this album recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting with two young Israeli musicians: pianist Nitai HershkovitsFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel DorFind albums by this artist (both of them were members of saxophonist Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist´s group). The album presents eleven pieces, ten of which are original compositions by Cohen and one is a standard. Cohen´s ideas as a composer seem to have lost most of their freshness and element of surprise that characterized his early efforts. This time the melodic contents is rather simplistic and the obsession with odd meters is unnerving after four or five tunes but carries on till the very last tones of the album. There are some traces of the Middle Eastern tonality, but most of the time it is very difficult to characterize this music in any way. The album is saved by the wonderful performances by Hershkovits and Dor, who are the real stars here, outshining the leader by far. Of course Cohen is a fine bass player but on this album he sounds just like countless other mainstream bassists playing all over the world, professional but uninspired. As much as I admire Cohen for his pioneering work two decades ago, this album does not signal any new direction or progression and overall lacks focus. Of course it is still a very nice piece of music, which many listeners can enjoy, but musicians seeking the status of world leadership need to try harder. Better luck next time.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DANIEL ZAMIR ~ ONE TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290012387197) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the sixth album by brilliant Israeli saxophonist / composer Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist, one of most renowned Israeli Jazz musicians born in the country, who also managed to establish an international career. Zamir was born to a secular family, but during his stay in the US re-discovered Jewish religion and became an orthodox Jew. Zamir lived in the US since 2000 and returned to Israel in 2006, where he now lives, writes music, performs and records. During his stay in US he was "discovered" by John ZornFind albums by this artist and eventually recorded four (so far) albums for Zorn´s TzadikFind albums on this label label. This is his second album recorded and released in Israel. His music is a wonderful mixture of Klezmer, Jewish music, Eastern European and of course Jazz, which is completely unique. His technical fluency and unlimited expressionist powers place his among the world´s saxophone virtuosi. He now plays the soprano saxophone exclusively and his sound is often reminiscent of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s. This album includes music composed entirely written by him and he´s accompanied by some of the best Israeli Jazz players: Nitai HershkovitsFind albums by this artist – piano, Jonathan AlbalekFind albums by this artist– guitar, Noam VisenbergFind albums by this artist – bass and Daniel DorFind albums by this artist – drums. A string quartet is also present on the four-part suite dedicated to Noam Shalit. The album is a beautiful listening experience to every sensitive music lover, with everybody being able to discover the many different facets of this great music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend