Record Reviews

ALBERT BEGER ~ BIG MOTHER EARSAY 078 (Barcode: 7290010420780) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 8th album by Israeli saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist recorded with his new quartet, which includes two new members: Aviram Ben NaimFind albums by this artist on piano and Yoav ZoharFind albums by this artist on drums. Veteran bassist Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist is still with Beger, the only member of his ensemble who plays with him since the first album recorded twelve years ago. Beger composed and arranged all the music, which is surprisingly much more melodic than his previous recordings. Of course there is plenty of free improvisation, but the musical themes are clearly stated and adhered to. The two new members prove to be a wise choice and play splendidly, creating the strongest version of Beger’s quartet ever. Pianist Ben Naim is an ideal accompanist for the leader, with his beautifully harmonic rapid movement all over the keyboard and Zohar on drums builds up the tension skillfully. Meyer’s steady bass foundation keeps the music on track with taste and apparent superb feel for the music. Beger is a great player; comfortable in any situation the music takes him to, regardless of key, tempo or the complexity of the tunes. His writing is getting better all the time and this new music is definitely his strongest statement to date, as a composer. This album stands proudly shoulder to shoulder with any contemporary Jazz recording from Europe or the US, positioning Beger firmly as a world-class Jazz artists. Brilliant stuff!

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ALBERT BEGER ~ THE PRIMITIVE NMC (ISRAEL) 330012 (Barcode: 7290003506293) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 1st album by Albert BegerFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent Jazz musicians in Israel and alongside Harold RubinFind albums by this artist a main propagator of the Israeli Free Jazz movement. Beger studied music extensively in the US (Berkley Collage in Boston and then New York) and upon his return to Israel established his quartet and started performing regularly. Since 1995 he recorded a series of excellent albums, which present his remarkable technique as a player, his exceptional improvisational abilities and his talent as a composer. At the time of the recording of this album his quartet included the best-ever Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (who plays on many albums released on my Jazzis label), bassist Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist and Asutralian born pianist living in Israel John BostokFind albums by this artist. Beger composed all the music included here and the quartet performs with vision and vigor. The music is firmly based in the mainstream Jazz tradition, with distinct melody lines, but the improvisations tend to move towards the Free Jazz idiom. Although not an easy listen, this album can still be enjoyed by most “conventional” Jazz listeners. More adventurous listeners are recommended to seek out Beger’s later albums. Out of print - last copies in stock!

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ALBERT BEGER ~ THIS LIFE NMC (ISRAEL) 20288 (Barcode: 7290003512928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 2nd album by Israeli saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist and his quartet with John BostockFind albums by this artist on piano, Gabriel MeyerFind albums by this artist on bass and Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist on drums. As usual Beger wrote all the music on this album, which is excellently performed by the quartet members. The album marks Beger’s transition between modern Jazz and Improvised Music, which he will be involved with on his later recordings. The material on this album is still firmly based on the Jazz tradition, with melodic content and traditional harmonic structures. Beger’s solos however are mostly free form, spinning and floating above the basic chord changes. His virtuosity and flair are clearly apparent and the album established Beger as one of Israeli leading players. All the other quartet members do an excellent job, each in his respective field. Bostock is a master of harmony, supplying the main melodic structures and playing a few excellent solos. Meyer’s solid bass glues the music together and keeps the time beautifully and Sirkis, by far the best Israeli drummer, drives the music forward with his excellent feel and energy. As all Beger’s output, this album firmly confirms that although small, the Israeli Jazz scene is capable of producing recordings of the same quality as anything recorded in Europe or the US. Recommended! Out of print - last copies in stock!

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