Record Reviews

ARI EREV ~ FLOW NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 889211668571) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by Israeli pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist, recorded this time by a core trio with veteran bassist Eli MagenFind albums by this artist and drummer Ron AlmogFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist is featured on five tracks and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist on four others. The album presents twelve compositions, nine of which are originals by Erev, one is a standard, another is a Brazilian tune and finally one is an Israeli evergreen, all arranged by him. As usual with Erev, each of his albums is quite different from its predecessors and this one is no exception, with a clear emphasis on Latin rhythms and catchy melodic themes. His deep lyricism is mostly subdued this time and surfaces mostly on the title track and occasionally here and there, with the rest of the album being on the lighter side of the idiom. Nevertheless the album is beautifully played, with Erev weaving wonderfully melodic piano lines and Magen supporting him amicably with his clear, tasteful bass pulsations, the drummers being right there on time and Cohen´s smooth soprano saxophone sounds dancing in the wind. Overall this is another valuable addition to Erev´s recorded legacy, and a document of the diverse Israeli Jazz scene, of which I am always proud. Erev might be a representative of the traditional mainstream on this album, but he is definitely a traditionalist in the best meaning of the phrase, a true gentleman and a great Artist. For fans of melodic, relaxed Jazz this is definitely a true gem.

Updated: 27/01/2016Posted: 27/01/2016

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ELI MAGEN ~ UNDERGROUND MAN (SOUNDTRACK) NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 Veteran Israeli Jazz bassist / composer Eli MagenFind albums by this artist started his musical career as the founding member of the Rock group ApocalypseFind albums by this artist in the early 1970s. Later on he studied classical music and became a member of the Israeli Philharmonic and in parallel became "Mr. Bass" of the Israeli Jazz scene. This album presents the music Magen composed and arranged for the soundtrack of a movie, recorded by a quintet comprising of other veteran Israeli Jazz musicians: trumpeter Yigal MelzerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Peter VerthaimerFind albums by this artist, pianist Adi RenertFind albums by this artist and drummer Guy Ben BarakFind albums by this artist. The music is mostly contemporary mainstream Jazz, performed flawlessly and with many splendid solo spots. Magen sings along with his bow solos, which is pretty unusual and the rest of his routine is brilliant, as always. It´s always great to have a recording by Magen, as he definitely recorded much less that he should have, in retrospect. Same goes for Verthaimer, who is one of the greatest reed players in Israel, but unfortunately with no recorded output to back up his reputation. A must for Israeli Jazz connoisseurs!

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SHLOMO YDOV ~ FROM WITHIN THE SILENCE HIGH FIDELITY 016 (Barcode: 7290013013361) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 Veteran Israeli singer / songwriter / guitarist Shlomo YdovFind albums by this artist (No NamesFind albums by this artist, Tuned ToneFind albums by this artist) returns with a surprising instrumental album, which features his excellent acoustic guitar playing. Ydov composed ten of the twelve pieces on this album, all of which are beautifully melodic and all are flavored by South American and other World Music influences mixed with Jazzy improvisations and arrangements. Ydov´s guitar is wonderfully supported by the bass, played by the veteran bassist Eli MagenFind albums by this artist. An old friend, flautist Shem Tov LevyFind albums by this artist, guests on one track; percussionist Roni IvrinFind albums by this artist plays on three tracks and bandoneón player Amichay ShalevFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks. Altogether the album is an intimate meeting between the player / composer and the listener, which should be enjoyable for most music connoisseurs. Ydov´s melodies are well crafted and have the ability to remain fresh, even after repeated listening. His guitar playing is very skillful and wonderfully "round", and he avoids any flashy displays of "guitar madness", staying on track with exactly what is required. Definitely worth investigation!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend