Record Reviews
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  | ALBERT BEGER ~ PEACEMAKER
ANOVA 028 (Barcode: 7290011799281) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
Although Israeli Jazz produced a vast amount of great musicians in its short life-span, many of which are now world-famous and enjoy success, especially on the NY scene, the two brightest and most visionary Israeli Jazz figures remain relatively anonymous outside of their homeland: clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist. Although separated by a generation gap, both Rubin and Beger made the decision of take the less-treaded path of Free Jazz and Improvised Music, shunning any commercial or non-artistic influences and remaining always true to their inner call. This is the 9th album by Albert Beger in 15 years of his recording legacy, adding another invaluable layer to his artistic heritage. Always re-inventing himself and arising life a phoenix from the ashes of whatever occupied his musical mindset previously, Beger presents here a new approach, using a new ensemble, which includes guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist, drummer Dan BenediktFind albums by this artist and Avi ElbazFind albums by this artist on electronics. This rejuvenated ensemble creates a completely new sound and enables Beger to explore new vistas, previously uncharted, like Rock rhythms and electronic ambience. As usual, he composed and arranged all the music, which is remarkably fresh and uplifting and also surprisingly melodic at times, which results in the music being probably more accessible to a larger audience than previously. But of course this new direction does not, by any means, signify any artistic compromises or "selling out". This is still absolutely brilliant music, intelligent and complex as always, and full of inner beauty and depth. It´s definitely time for Beger to be "discovered", as whatever he has to offer musically is no less valuable that anything else being created anywhere, and probably more so. This is essential stuff for mind and body – just let it in!
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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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  | COMMON BOND ~ RHYTHM OF LIFE
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
1st album by Israeli ensemble Common BondFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist and composer Kobi ShefiFind albums by this artist. Although founded at the end of the 1990s, the nine-piece band took a long time to mature and develop. They recorded a demo album a few years back, but this is their formal debut release, and as it turns out it was worth waiting for. In many respects this is one of the finest albums ever recorded in this country and it encapsulates the capabilities of the phenomenal new generation of Israeli musicians.
Kobi, who wrote most of the music and the spectacular arrangements on this album, is a seasoned player with solid Jazz background (he was a member of Harold RubinFind albums by this artist’s group ParparFind albums by this artist). Drummer Roni ZadikFind albums by this artist, who is another veteran musician, keeps the music incredibly tight, regardless of the complex rhythmic patterns. All the other players are slightly younger (late 20s / early 30s) with extensive musical education and performing experience.
The surprise of the album is the 19 years old vocalist Marina MaximilianFind albums by this artist (Blumin), born in Ukraine and immigrated to Israel as a child. She is undoubtedly the most original and spectacular Israeli vocalist since Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist 40 years ago. Her extraordinary technique, range and self-confidence could all be easily mistaken as belonging to a 40 years old veteran superstar.
The band creates an incredible big sound, with intricate brass arrangements and jazzy solos, but the music combines (as the band’s name suggests) the best of Jazz, Fusion, Funk and World Music elements into an amalgam of rare beauty and spectacular effect. Think Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, Tower Of PowerFind albums by this artist and SantanaFind albums by this artist with a dash of Middle Eastern and Balkan melancholy, fronted by a diva. Absolutely stunning!
Since the album was released, Common Bond performed extensively in many countries with enormous success and they are surely destined to go far. Unfortunately Marina left to follow her solo career (after capturing the entire Israeli public through her participation in a TV talent-discovery show), and was replaced by another very talented singer Anat Ben HamoFind albums by this artist. If you wish to explore the wonderful world of new Israeli music – this is the album to start with. You are in for a treat of your (musical) life.
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  | EHRAN ELISHA / HAROLD RUBIN / HAIM ELISHA ~ EAST OF JAFFA
OUTNOW 006 (Barcode: 7290011216009) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011
This brilliant album is a document of a completely improvised recording session involving three great musicians: drummer / composer Ehran ElishaFind albums by this artist, legendary clarinetist / composer Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and Ehran´s father pianist Haim ElishaFind albums by this artist. The music consists of a series of trio and duo spontaneous improvisations, with Rubin and his clarinet strongly in the limelight as the most dazzling musical personality in the room. After all Rubin is almost singlehandedly responsible for the existence of the Israeli Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene and his genius is unparalleled on the worldwide scale. This is a superb example of such music at its best, which is characterized by the overall feeling that the music was carefully arranged and rehearsed before the recording, where in fact if wasn´t at all. Rubin leads the way by suggesting his charming melody lines, which are then masterly supported by Ehran´s sensitive drumming and Haim´s delicate piano phrases. His ability to weave these incredible melodies out of thin air, which are full of the sadness and joy of Jewish spiritual music, Middle Eastern twists and turns and Rubin´s own inventions is always absolutely stunning, even for someone like myself, who has experienced it firsthand for almost thirty years now. The fact that Rubin is not widely known as one of the greatest Jazz musicians that ever walked on this planet is an absolute crime of ignorance. This album might as well serve as a textbook example of what Free Jazz / Improvised Music is all about: individual genius, the ability to combine individuality into group unity, telepathic exchange of ideas on the fly, mutual respect and empathy and a bit of divine intervention, which makes it all happen at a certain place at a certain time. We mere mortals should be only grateful that the music was captured for posterity, for us to enjoy. An absolute must!
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  | GREGORIO / MAZUR / LOPEZ ~ WANDERING THE SOUNDS
FSR 2018/09 (Barcode: 5905279364325) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is an album by international Improvised Music trio comprising of Argentinean (resident in NY) clarinetist Guillermo GregorioFind albums by this artist, Polish acoustic bass guitarist Rafal MazurFind albums by this artist and Spanish (resident in France) drummer Ramon LopezFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine improvised tracks recorded in studio, all co-credited to the three musicians.
The music is a wonderfully introvert trialogue between Master musicians, calm and relaxed and yet full of energy and expression. All three musicians perform with great respect towards each other, displaying virtuosity but eschewing unnecessary showing off of their individual abilities and creating a coherent trio statement.
Although fully Improvised, the music is unusually (for the idiom) embraceable and accessible to a relatively wide range of listeners, not necessarily form the strict Avant-Garde circles, but also "straightforward" Jazz enthusiasts with a tolerance towards complex improvised explorations.
Gregorio is a superb clarinetist, with a simple, natural sound and fabulous technique, which makes his playing instantly lovable. His playing immediately brings a wave of heartache in view of the death of the legendary Israeli clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist, who left us just a few days ago, and with whom I worked closely for decades producing many albums together.
Mazur is a unique phenomenon with hardly any competition, both because of his unusual instrument and the way he plays it. The sound and the pulsations he manages to create is a trademark of the Improvised Music idiom and his level of understanding and telepathic communication with his partners is nothing short of miraculous. He has already an impressive recorded legacy behind him, which of course is a must to follow by every Improvised Music connoisseur.
Lopez is another trademark name on the Improvised Music scene and his playing here fully justifies the reputation he earned over the years. His ability to play the drums as delicately and yet with full power, as this trio´s music demands is absolutely brilliant.
Overall this is a superb Improvising Music album which proves that this kind of music can be communicative, coherent and lasting, even to people from outside of the genre. I had a wonderful time listening to it and it is one of rather few albums of this kind I could listen to repeatedly. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 07/04/2020Posted: 07/04/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ELI HASSON ~ SEVEN SEAS
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 9506289436147) ~ ISRAEL ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023
This is the debut album by Israeli Jazz trumpeter / composer Eli HassonFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with guitarist Yeonathan ShacharFind albums by this artist and drummer Yovel ShayFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Hasson and one is an arrangement of a traditional song.
Hasson, aged 60, a “late bloomer” as he jokingly describes his musical background, is classically trained, but was involved in the “fringe” Israeli Jazz scene for some years, including stints with Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and Albert BegerFind albums by this artist, but only recently started to develop his compositional ambitions, encouraged by Israel pianist Anat FortFind albums by this artist. His partners on this album are young Israeli Jazz musicians / improvisers.
The music, although definitely melody based, incorporates a lot of Freedom in the interpretation, with a beautiful balance between sound and silence. The intimate and highly unusual trio format also sets a decisive tone to the music, which is very contemplative, reflective and even hypnotic to some extent.
Hasson’s trumpet playing, obviously classically influenced, is precise and offers a beautiful tone, which is expressive and relaxed. The guitarist offers layers of harmony and some electronic effects, staying mostly in the role of accompanist, creating the background for the trumpet soloing. The drummer almost never plays any steady rhythmic patterns, supplying instead another layer of accompaniment. Together the trio offers highly aesthetic and deeply emotional vistas, characteristic of European / Nordic stylistics.
Overall, this is a highly unusual Jazz / Improvised Music album, rather atypical to the local Israeli Jazz scene, which is mostly mainstream or ethnically oriented, which of course is very refreshing. The melodic continuity should make this music much more accessible to wider audiences than the usual Improvised Music fringe, and allow this music to reach many Jazz lovers, which it truly deserves. Hopefully the next album will arrive sooner than this debut effort.
| | Updated: 24/06/2023Posted: 24/06/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ RECOMP
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 14 (Barcode: 634479745652) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1997 - 2007 Released: 2008
Israeli bassist and Improvised Music pioneer Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist revisits eleven musical pieces recorded live and in studio over a period of ten years, performing, what he calls recomposition of the pieces. In his own words: “As opposed to mere editing, recomp involves the deconstruction, subtraction, rearrangement, and reconstruction of the material. It not only changes the sequencing, but it radically affects the feeling and the flow of the music. It also changes the texture of the weave, the voice of the team, and the original intention, revealing new connections, transitions, and possibilities”. The pieces are duos and trios played with other Israeli Improvised Music musicians like Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (clarinet), Steve HorensteinFind albums by this artist (flute, bass clarinet & saxophone), Daniel HoffmanFind albums by this artist (violin) and others. One duet with world-famous Israeli bass player Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist is also included. As usual, this is very difficult music, suitable for enthusiasts of the genre, but also an extremely rewarding intellectual experience. It’s good to see some people still treating music as Art and not a commercial commodity.
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  | ARIEL LANYI ~ 31 BARS
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 07 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
1st album by Israeli Jazz prodigy Ariel LanyiFind albums by this artist. It is extremely difficult to write anything about this album due to the fact that it probably is the most sensational jazz recording ever, considering the fact that Ariel was only 8 years old (YES EIGHT) when this music was recorded. Of course there are a few well-known piano prodigies in music’s history, but surely none of these played improvised music and free jazz. Ariel plays classical piano since the age of 4 and discovered jazz accidentally (at the tender age of 7) by pressing an Earl Hines link on the Net. He started to take lessons with Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist, leader of the Kadima Collective (a group of Israeli musicians dedicated to improvised music) and soon was discovered to possess exceptional gift for improvisation and a musical attitude of a matured musician. The music included here was recorded on several occasions live and in the studio during the months proceeding his 9th Birthday, when this album was released. The album contains mostly Ariel’s original compositions and improvisations, primarily because composition, free improvisation and Avant-Garde are the main attraction of jazz for him. The few standards that appear here are substantially altered, as appropriate for his genre. Some of the pieces are solo piano performances, others are duos with Israel’s most important improvisers (all of which could easily be Ariel’s grandfathers), like Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (clarinet), Jess KorenFind albums by this artist (sax), Jerry GarvalFind albums by this artist (drums) and Jean Claude Jones (bass). Whatever the starting point of each piece, they all show Ariel’s enthusiasm for free improvisation and his unique mixing of styles, ideas and influences. One thing is sure; nobody in this world would guess, by listening to this music without the knowledge of the facts, that this is a kid. The music is completely mature and exceptionally developed. It’s almost scary to imagine what this kid will be up to in a few years? Check it out for yourself!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MELECH / MAJEWSKI / KROLIKOWSKI / BUHL ~ KWARTET
PLEXUS OF INFINITY ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by the Avant-Garde Polish Jazz quartet led by clarinetist Piotr MelechFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Jakub KrolikowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaroslaw MajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek BuhlFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all co-composed by the members of the quartet.
The music is typical Avant-Garde / Improvised Music project, which offers spontaneously created music not based on any clear melodic threads and which relays the spur of the moment mutual exchanges between the musicians. For people from outside of the Improvised Music circle this music is completely non-communicative and bizarre, and only a tiny group of connoisseurs is able to listen to it and enjoy it for what it is. Such is the sad fate of any Avant-Garde Art.
However, for people familiar with the Polish Avant-Garde Jazz, which enjoys an extraordinary renaissance in the last decade, the name of Melech is pretty familiar as a result of about half a dozen of his earlier recordings, all of which made a mark on the local scene. His wonderful clarinet work, which often sounds very Klezmerish, is very unique and often resembles the work of the Israeli clarinet Master Harold RubinFind albums by this artist. Melech firmly controls the flow of the music, setting the structural and rhythmic ambience, with the rest of the quartet following his lead.
Buhl, who is perhaps the leading Polish Avant-Garde drummer and a true musical persona, adds a wonderful layer to the music. He is obviously the most experienced musician on this album and his superb technique and sensitivity are a natural counterbalance to Melech´s clarinet work. Krolikowski and Majewski, who are lesser known, keep up with the two veterans and contribute their parts without a hitch.
Overall this album offer depth and remarkable teamwork between the musicians, which of course is not surprising considering the excellent musicianship present on the Polish Avant-Garde Jazz scene. Although obviously not for everybody, this music is exactly what connoisseurs of Improvised Music look for in an album. Well done!
| | Updated: 09/06/2019Posted: 08/06/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALON NECHUSHTAN ~ RITUAL FIRE
BETWEEN THE LINES 71234 (Barcode: 608917123425) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2013
This is a strikingly beautiful album by Israeli (living in NY) pianist / composer Alon NechushtanFind albums by this artist with a quartet which also includes the bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist, drummer Bob MeyerFind albums by this artist and the legendary Israeli clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist. The quartet performs ten pieces that are mostly freely improvised, based on compositional guidelines by Nechushtan, which together constitute an "action" suite, a term describing an artistic on-the-fly creation. This is Nechushtan´s fourth consecutive exceptional album in a span of just a few years, firmly establishing him as a major player of the contemporary Jazz / Improvised Music scene.
Although released under Nechushtan´s name, the album is primarily a remarkable tribute to the exceptional abilities of Rubin, who was almost eighty years old when this music was recorded. Although still relatively little acknowledged on the international music scene, Rubin is a force of Nature, with absolutely no competition anywhere in the world. His playing, or rather creation of sounds, is completely unique and transcends the Jazz tradition by light-years. Wonderfully he is getting better with time and the advanced age seems to bless him with ageless vitality and musical astuteness. Nechushtan is to be congratulated for recognizing Rubin´s contribution and keeping the rhythm section relatively in the background, mostly supporting Rubin´s soloing.
But of course the rhythm section plays all along and they play wonderfully. These are all experienced and very talented players, who all have recognized recorded legacies to their names, and therefore don´t need to prove anything by taking more of the personal space that the opportunity called for. Again they all deserve to be praised for their attitude.
The music is typically spontaneous and limitless, creating an aesthetic aura of elegance, beauty and artistic "fire", which should win over every open-minded listener. This is true "high art", which should be celebrated and revered, as it is rare and fragile.
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  | PARKER / TRZASKA / EDWARDS / SANDERS ~ CITY FALL
FSR 2016/04 (Barcode: 5905279364097) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2016
This is a live recording by a Free Jazz / Improvising Music quartet, which comprises of three British musicians: legendary saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist, bassist John EdwardsFind albums by this artist and drummer Mark SandersFind albums by this artist and Polish saxophonist / clarinetist Mikolaj TrzaskaFind albums by this artist. The quartet performs just three lengthy improvisations, the first of which resides on the first CD and the other two reside on the second CD of this 2CD set. All music is credited, as appropriate in such circumstances, to all four members of the quartet. The music was recorded during a concert in London´s Café OTO.
Anybody familiar with the British Free Jazz scene will recognize the names of the British musicians as top representative of the genre and the same applies of course of people familiar with the parallel Polish scene, where Trzaska is considered as a unique phenomenon not only as Free Jazz player / leader but also as one of the most important contemporary composers of cinematic music.
The music captured on this album testifies as to the immediate rapport between the players, especially so between Evans (born 1944) and Trzaska (born 1966), who keep exchanging licks, phrases and vast amounts of energy between them for the entire duration of the concert, which often sounds superhuman in its intensity. The age difference seems to be completely inconsequential, which of course does not surprise me at all as my pairing of Trzaska with the Israeli clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (born 1932) was similarly successful. In fact the saxophone duets, performed without the rhythm section, are some of the most fascinating moments on this album and I´d love to hear more of those.
As far as live albums of Free Jazz / Improvised Music are concerned, my opinion usually is that the music was primarily intended for those people who attended the concert and in recorded form the music loses most of its authenticity, energy and spirit, and becomes significantly less relevant. This album is one of the relatively few exceptions, probably due to the class of the musicians involved and the comradeship between them, and as a result hearing the music in recorded form is still very emotionally involving and aesthetically pleasing.
Of course this music is strictly for connoisseurs of this specific idiom and people who seek entertainment in their musical escapades should avoid this music at all cost. Those brave hearted few who enjoy the organized madness should have a most wonderful time while this music lasts, especially since meetings like these are usually a one time only events. Strong stuff!
| | Updated: 03/01/2017Posted: 03/01/2017 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ 2`S + A QUIET PLACE FOR MR. K.K.
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2001
This album marked Harold RubinFind albums by this artist`s return to active recording, after almost four years of silence. With the help of his old friend from ZaviotFind albums by this artist, Mark SmulianFind albums by this artist, who owns a small recording studio (called Digihipi), Harold recorded a series of three independently produced albums between 2000 and 2002, of which this is the first one. These three albums portray his extraordinary talents and visionary music at its best and are a wonderful document of his career as well as the local improvised music scene in Israel. The album includes 14 compositions, which are divided into two separate parts. The first part (2’s) is a series of duets with drummer Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist, where Harold plays clarinet and recites three of his superb poems, which are an integral part of the creation. The second part (A Quiet Place For Mr. K.K.) is a beautiful suite dedicated to King Kong and performed as a trio with bass player Eran BorovichFind albums by this artist. Please note that this suite gets another treatment on the third album in this series, this time as a solo piece. This is wonderful music, beyond description and beyond analysis – it should be heard and enjoyed and inspire.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ A MONO MUSICAL SUITE FOR THREE MANIC MUSICIANS
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2008
Clarinetist / composer Harold RubinFind albums by this artist is one of the very few champions of improvised music in Israel. His work in the field of Free Jazz in the last two decades created an entire new universe of music. If not for the fact that he resides in Israel, he would surely be one of the world’s most revered musicians with many followers, but alas only very few (but fortunate) people know him and his music. I feel deeply honored and privileged to be his friend and his producer and I will never get tired of his wonderful music nor will I stop singing his praises. This album is a typical Rubin recording – if “typical” ever applies to him or his music – a four hour session with him and two young Israeli musicians: Maya DunietzFind albums by this artist (piano) and Yoni SilverFind albums by this artist (bass clarinet), for which Harold arrived armed with a set of basic “musical motives” and told the musicians to go “wild” and flow with him. The result is, as usual, stunning, with telepathic interplay and imaginative group improvisation presiding. Improvised music is never an easy listening experience, but one has to be deaf not to appreciate the beauty and depth of this music. With the clarinet and bass clarinet complimenting each other sonically and the piano creating layers of harmonic textures, cementing the musical unity, this is a unique musical experience, which must be listened to with attention and openness, sure to impress any sensitive listener. I only wish more people would listen and get hooked, as this is way to good to be anonymous. Brilliant!
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  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ BLUE BAG
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997
Harold RubinFind albums by this artist is one of the very few true Renaissance men I’ve had the pleasure to meet and befriend over the years. An architect, a poet, a painter and an outstanding musician, but also a wonderful human being, who hates bullshit of any form and shape. This, often bold, honesty is present in every creative process Harold is involved with, and what makes his music so wonderfully different and outstanding. Blue Bag is a musical suite, a complete work of art, rather than a collection of separate and unrelated pieces of music. It is probably Harold’s most “accessible” album. It involves a larger group of musicians (as opposed to his regular trio / quartet setting) and for the first time also features vocals. Stylistically it involves, in addition to the obvious jazz contents, some rock elements (for the first time since Harold played with ZaviotFind albums by this artist), some theatrical aura and a much clearer melody lines. The entire album brings fond memories of Brecht’s operas and works by musicians like Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist and his wife Jeanne LeeFind albums by this artist or Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist. It also prominently features for the first time Harold’s poetry, which constitutes the libretto for the entire suite. The musicians playing with Harold include Mark SmulianFind albums by this artist, his partner in Zaviot, who proves he can play the guitar as skillfully as he can handle the bass, Smulian’s wife the wonderful singer Gani TamirFind albums by this artist, Israel’s best drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (who plays on many albums released on my JazzisFind albums on this label label), extremely talented trombonists Reut RegevFind albums by this artist and Rafi MalkielFind albums by this artist, and bassist Amit CarmeliFind albums by this artist. Harold contributes his unique brand of clarinet virtuosity and occasionally recites / narrates his fantastic poetry with the music playing in the background (reminiscent of the wonderful “Jazz & Poetry” movement of the 1960’s). If I could, I’d make every person on this planer to listen to this Magnum Opus, but obviously I can’t do that. Hopefully some of you will read this and subsequently discover some of the best music ever recorded on this planet.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ IVORY TOWER
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
Harold RubinFind albums by this artist not only single-handedly created the improvised music scene in Israel since the early 1990’s, but was also the spiritual father of an entire generation of young Israeli players, who were receptive and open-minded enough to embrace this musical form. Many of the players, who started their way in various trios / quartets led by Harold, became leaders and first-rate musicians in their own right, often returning to play with their mentor years later. This album is an example of such a case, as it brings Harold together with a former member of his group ParparFind albums by this artist (Butterfly in Hebrew), pianist Daniel SaridFind albums by this artist. Sarid took part in the recording of the wonderful meeting between Harold and the Polish saxophonist Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist (released on JazzisFind albums on this label Records) a decade earlier and this album puts them side by side in the studio again. Of course Daniel refined and advanced his music immensely over the years and this meeting places him alongside Harold not as a student / disciple, but as an equal partner in the creative process. About a year before these sessions were recorded, Daniel recorded an excellent duo / trio album with his partner Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist (see their album on EarsayFind albums on this label Records), so it was only natural to have Hagai as the drummer. Young bass player Adam SheflanFind albums by this artist completed the quartet. The music is of course outstanding, as one might expect. Although written by Harold, other quartet members contributed a lot of creative input. There is plenty of wonderful solos and the quartet swings beautifully, even though the music is mostly free spirited and improvised. Harold recites some of his poems (with music in the background), something that has become an integral part of his unique Jazz act. This is a superb album in every respect and my only hope is that as many people can access this heavenly music as humanly possible.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ ONE VOICE
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 10 (Barcode: 634479548291) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2007
If it wasn’t for the fact that Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (musician, painter and poet) lives and creates music in Israel, I’m pretty sure that he would have become one of the best-known icons of Avant-Garde jazz worldwide. Since I “discovered” Harold 20 years ago, he never ceased to amaze me every time I hear him play live or hear any of his recorded music. His absolutely unique approach to his instrument – the clarinet – and to music in general is phenomenal and in spite of his advanced age he is (to me) one of the most vigorous, adventurous and daring musicians on this planet. Although usually described as a free jazz player, his music can be movingly lyrical at times. He is able to express the entire range of human emotions, from peace and bliss to frenzy and rage. I really hope more people will discover his wonderful music in time. This recording captures Harold completely on his own for the first time (He usually plays in a trio / quartet setting and sometimes in duos). There is nothing else here but the man and his clarinet – the ultimate intimacy. Harold composed all the music included here, including the five part suite “A Quiet Place for Mr. K. K.” dedicated to King Kong, which he describes as follows: “It relates to a psychotic King Kong living in our now world, where brutality has become a way of life and fragile fragments of joy alleviate a terrifying sense of sadness”. I hope Harold’s music will become your “fragments of joy” forever.
Side Note: This is a reissue of this album on the Kadima CollectiveFind albums on this label label, replacing the original release done privately by Harold, which BTW is a rare collectors´ item by now.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ ONE VOICE
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002
If it wasn’t for the fact that Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (musician, painter and poet) lives and creates music in Israel, I’m pretty sure that he would have become one of the best-known icons of Avant-Garde jazz worldwide. Since I “discovered” Harold 20 years ago, he never ceased to amaze me every time I hear him play live or hear any of his recorded music. His absolutely unique approach to his instrument – the clarinet – and to music in general is phenomenal and in spite of his advanced age he is (to me) one of the most vigorous, adventurous and daring musicians on this planet. Although usually described as a free jazz player, his music can be movingly lyrical at times. He is able to express the entire range of human emotions, from peace and bliss to frenzy and rage. I really hope more people will discover his wonderful music in time. This recording captures Harold completely on his own for the first time (He usually plays in a trio / quartet setting and sometimes in duos). There is nothing else here but the man and his clarinet – the ultimate intimacy. Harold composed all the music included here, including the five part suite “A Quiet Place for Mr. K. K.” dedicated to King Kong, which he describes as follows: “It relates to a psychotic King Kong living in our now world, where brutality has become a way of life and fragile fragments of joy alleviate a terrifying sense of sadness”. I hope Harold’s music will become your “fragments of joy” forever.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD RUBIN / JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ MUSE & MUSIC
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 03 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
This album documents the musical / spiritual meeting between the two leaders of the Israeli improvised music scene. Harold RubinFind albums by this artist started the movement on the late 1980’s, after his legendary group ZaviotFind albums by this artist disbanded, leading a long series of ensembles active in the Tel-Aviv area, where he lives. Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist (or J.C. to his friends) arrived on the scene at about the same time, playing with another legendary group KedmaFind albums by this artist (both Zaviot and Kedma released their albums on JazzisFind albums on this label Records). Later on Jones played with many different ensembles in the Jerusalem area, where he lives, and founded the Kadima CollectiveFind albums on this label – an association of improvising artists (cross-genre), which now independently releases various projects on record. Their path crossed many times over the years but they somehow failed to record together and this much overdue album puts things right at last. The intimate duo of clarinet and electro acoustic bass is the foundation of the music, with Harold reciting / voicing his poetry on top and Jones adding live electronics occasionally, all of those based on musical telepathy and interplay between the creators. This is intense stuff, requiring total attentiveness and open-mindedness, but for people who are willing to stretch out their intellectual muscles the rewards are infinite. Sadly, there is very little music of such quality being made anywhere in the wold these days.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN / BARRE PHILLIPS / TATSUYA NAKATANI ~ 3 ON A THIN LINE
HOPSCOTCH 25 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2012
This completely Improvised Music, created by clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist, bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and percussionist Tatsuya NakataniFind albums by this artist was recorded live at the Levontin 7 club in Tel Aviv, known since many years as the meeting place of Israeli Avant-Garde. These three masters of Improvised Music played a continuous set, which was later divided into six separate tracks for the sake of the album, but the music is not credited to any particular performer and therefore remains a spontaneous creation of the three collaborators.
Harold Rubin, Israel´s most creative and extraordinary musician, is a true magician, creating a completely unique world of sound with his clarinet. This recording is a document of that magic, which Rubin is able to create in spite of his relatively advanced age, and contrary to the anticipated trend, his playing simply gets better all the time. As someone, who has been lucky to be able to follow his astounding development for now almost three decades, I am constantly surprised every time I hear him playing live or listening to his recordings. He is simply a Force Of Nature, with almost no parallel scale on this planet. The happiness of knowing such a Genius personally and working with him is almost always accompanied by a sadness and disappointment from the fact that his Art is known to just a miniscule group of music lovers.
Accompanied by veteran improvises of international reputation and admiration Rubin is able to stretch out and display his entire arsenal of abilities and sensitivities, which is, as always simply stunning. This music flows freely like a wind over fields of flowers, twisting and turning constantly and taking the listener places he never visited previously "upon the wings of music". Of course words can hardly even touch the lofty feelings and emotions involved with the experience and listening is the only true alternative.
Everybody familiar with Rubin´s music will of course love this album instantly. To others it might serve as an introduction, although more accessible (to general public) material by him is available, some of it on my JazzisFind albums on this label label. This particular album comes also with cover art created by Rubin, which of course is a beautiful bonus. In short, this is a portrait of a multi-talented Renaissance Man at work. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD RUBIN TRIO ~ AIR KISS SUITE
OUTNOW 034 (Barcode: 7132893701528) ~ ISRAEL ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is a live album by Israeli Jazz clarinetist / composer / bandleader Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and my dear Friend, whose albums I released for many years on my JazzisFind albums on this label Records label. This impromptu recording, captured in Harold’s living room in his Jaffa apartment, was one of his last recordings before his lamented death in 2020. The music was recorded by a trio, which includes also two young Israeli improvisers: pianist Illay SabagFind albums by this artist and bassist Asaf ShchoriFind albums by this artist. The album presents four tracks, all parts of the suite which gives the album its title. All three musicians are co-credited as composers.
The music is completely improvised, as appropriate for Rubin’s modus operandi in his late period, when he completely abandoned pre-conceived / composed music in favor of spur of the moment improvisation. And yet his music always included a “melodic” substance, which was embedded in his subconscious performing mechanisms. Despite his advanced age and poor health, his playing is absolutely vibrant and creative, with the two young musicians following his lead to the best of their abilities. Harold’s genius is still intact and this album proves that he was the greatest improviser of all time on the Israeli scene.
Writing about this music seems to me as futile as writing about emotions, since the message received by the listener is in this case so absolutely personal and indescribable as they come. I have listened to Harold’s music for decades, and still every time I hear it the experience is new and as exciting as it was at the first time. I can only hope this incredible feeling can be shared by others.
Overall, this is another document of Improvised Music at its absolute best, at its pure core so to speak, which should really grab all fans of this music deeply. Harold’s music remains, sadly almost completely unknown to the music lovers worldwide, in it probably will stay this way, but here is one more chance to get exposed to his Genius!
| | Updated: 19/04/2024Posted: 19/04/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DANIEL SARID ~ PEARLS OF PERIL
EARSAY 021 (Barcode: 7293627102124) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001
Pianist Daniel SaridFind albums by this artist is one of the most important representatives of the Israeli Free Jazz scene, which developed significantly since the 1980’s, when musicians like the renowned pianist and composer Vyacheslav GanelinFind albums by this artist immigrated to Israel and started performing and teaching music here. The ensembles led by clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist were also an excellent breeding ground for many young Israeli musicians, including Daniel Sarid, who played and recorded with Rubin.
This album is Daniel’s first recording as a leader. It includes 15 relatively short composed pieces, performed by Sarid and drummer Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist. On five pieces saxophonist Ori KaplanFind albums by this artist joins the duo. This intimate setting is an ideal platform for the musician to express their abilities and the phenomenal interplay between them. Highly recommended ear-opener to connoisseurs of the genre.
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  | Z3 ~ PALE FIRE
WHYPLAYJAZZ 014 (Barcode: 4050486906163) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the trio called Z3Find albums by this artist, led by Austrian pianist / composer Philip ZoubekFind albums by this artist and including German clarinetist Benjamin WeidekampFind albums by this artist and Swiss bassist Christian WeberFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Zoubek.
Zoubek points to the legendary Jimmy GiuffreFind albums by this artist trio with pianist Paul BleyFind albums by this artist and bassists Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist as the source of inspiration to create this trio, and many points of reference are indeed present, although there is no attempt to directly follow or copy the work of Giuffre and his cohorts. The piano "plays the first fiddle" on this album, clearly navigating the music towards a melodic progression, which is followed by the clarinet and bass in a series of tête-à-tête and ménage a trios encounters. The overall atmosphere is completely relaxed and non-aggressive, which always helps in an Improvised Music environment, creating a true close encounter between the trio members.
Weidekamp plays magnificently here and his beautiful tone reminds me of the performances by my beloved Harold RubinFind albums by this artist. Short phrases and delicate breathing-like uttering, little melodic statements and fragile triplets create an ornate aura around the piano stating the melody and the overall result is simply magical.
Weber, who is one of the busiest and most prolific bassists on the European Improvised Music scene, with three solo albums and dozens of recordings to his credit, displays a certain measure of respect and distance, playing sparingly but superbly on time and exactly where his contribution is needed. This kind of subtle support is amongst the most difficult contributions a musician can offer to his partners.
Together the trio creates a continuous flow of excellent and fascinating music, which keeps the listener on his toes from start to finish. In fact this is definitely one of the best releases on the first-rate WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label to date. There is definitely nothing pale about the fire found on this album, I assure you!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | WACLAW ZIMPEL ~ STONE FOG
FOR TUNE 0009 (Barcode: 5902768701098) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the debut recording by the quartet led by Polish Jazz clarinetist / composer Waclaw ZimpelFind albums by this artist with his countryman pianist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist and two German musicians: bassist Christian RamondFind albums by this artist and drummer Klaus KugelFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight compositions named using lines from poems by the US poetess Laura Winter. Three of the compositions are credited to Zimpel and the remaining five are group compositions.
Despite his young age (he was 29 years old when this music was recorded) Zimpel is already considered as one of the most important upcoming Free Jazz / Improvised Music figures on the European scene. In the scope of the last decade he managed to cooperate with many first-class musicians from Poland and abroad, play many concerts and record quite a few albums as a leader and as sideman, most of which were received enthusiastically by the critics.
The clarinet, Zimpel´s "weapon of choice", is sadly a much neglected instrument in contemporary music, Avant-Garde and Improvised Music included, and therefore his contributions are especially important, keeping the clarinet tradition alive. Except for the older generation clarinet Giants, like American Perry RobinsonFind albums by this artist, Israeli Harold RubinFind albums by this artist, French Louis SclavisFind albums by this artist, Italian Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist and a handful of others, Zimpel´s young voice is a fresh breath of air in this particular niche.
As to the music on this album, I find it slightly less exciting personally in comparison to his earlier recordings with ensembles like UndividedFind albums by this artist or HeraFind albums by this artist. Not that this album lacks anything in quality and power of expression, but perhaps it is less based on incorporating World Music motifs, which Zimpel excels at. This album firmly belongs to the "traditional" Free Jazz / Improvised Music milieu, if the word "traditional" applies at all in such cases. But regardless of my personal preferences, this is excellent music from start to finish, performed with passion and masterly ability, by all four musicians involved. The rhythm section provides exceptional backing, moving swiftly between almost swing to free form, Dys on piano spreads layers of twisted harmonic structures and Zimpel, as usual, plays the role of the of Hamelin´s Pied Piper, snake charmer and a Hassidic Klezmer, all in one. Most connoisseurs of Free Jazz will find this music very interesting and aesthetically enchanting.
The album was released by a new Polish label called For TuneFind albums on this label, which seems to be specializing in "unconventional" musical projects, like this one. All the releases on the label have a distinct graphic design, which appears to be copying the early ECMFind albums on this label, Hat HutFind albums on this label and other Avant-Garde labels following this path. Polish Avant-Garde Jazz fans know that this label is of course not the first of its kind, but the more the merrier. There is always place for good music and I wish the label a lot of success.
| | Updated: 12/10/2024Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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