Record Reviews

HADAR NOIBERG ~ FROM THE GROUND UP DOT TIME 9041 (Barcode: 604043904129) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the third album by Israeli (resident in NY) flautist / composer Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist, recorded in her favorite trio format, with fellow Israeli bassist Haggai Cohen MiloFind albums by this artist and American drummer extraordinaire Allison MillerFind albums by this artist. Israeli clarinet superstar Anat CohenFind albums by this artist guests on one track and guitarist Yotam SilbersteinFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, ten of which are original composition by Noiberg and one is her interpretation of an Israeli Pop song. The flute is a delicate and fragile instrument and Noiberg´s decision to play her music in the intimate trio format is a wise choice. The trio leaves enough breathing (pun intended) space for all the musicians not only to express their individual statements, but more importantly to listen to each other attentively and sympathetically, which is evident in every moment of this album. Both Cohen Milo and Miller connect with Noiberg aesthetically and emotionally on many levels and the symbiosis does wonders for the music. Although physically uprooted from her Israeli identity, mentally Noiberg still resides very much within the Israeli landscape, with her tunes being all closely related to the desert wind and sea breeze, sunny beaches and gentle hills, where the lonely shepherd´s flute spins heartbreaking melodies. Her rhythmic identity still follows the Middle Eastern darbuka much closer than the regular 4/4 pulse. And this is the secret of Hadar Noiberg, which makes her tick and enables her to create that wonderful music of hers. The performances on this album are all absolutely perfect. Noiberg´s virtuosity is a well known fact and she really pours her heart out on this album. Cohen Milo is with her shoulder to shoulder, supplying the firm ground that allows her to spread her wings. His finesse and immense talent are a delightful gift and a blessing. I was lucky to meet Allison Miller and hear her playing this material live, and she is a soul mate communicating with Noiberg telepathically. Her amazing talent and unusual approach to drumming are a true discovery and I can´t imagine a better partner for Noiberg. Silberstein adds his gentle touch, like a whiff of a sensual perfume on a beautiful woman, inconspicuous but dramatically conquering. Anat Cohen exchanges some really hot licks with Noiberg, revealing a rarely seen ability of hers to improvise almost freely, which is another great surprise of this album. Overall this is a beautiful piece of superbly elegant music, a statement made by a mature and determined artist, who has a lot to offer and who makes this world a better place to live in. Hopefully this album will get the attention it truly deserves and personally I can´t wait to hear the next one already. Well done girl, chapeau!

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