Record Reviews

YOSI LEVY ~ ACOUSTIC PROJECT MAGDA 086 (Barcode: 7290013312143) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album by veteran Israeli guitarist / composer Yosi LevyFind albums by this artist, which presents his World Music trio, called Acoustic Project, which features another Israeli scene veteran flautist Ilan SalemFind albums by this artist and Indian tabla Master Bickram GhoshFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tunes, four of which are originals by Levy, two are originals by Salem, two are Salem´s arrangements of an Israeli pop song and a traditional Yemenite song and the remaining one is credited to all the members of the trio. The music is a unique amalgam of Jazz and World music elements, which originate from the Middle East and from India. Such specific combination of these diverse cultures and genres has been applied very rarely in the past and therefore manages to innovate in a niche, that literally explode in the last two decades, producing a great deal of interesting recordings. As all great Jazz-World Fusion albums, this one is also a living proof of the fact that music has absolutely no boundaries, neither stylistic nor geographic or cultural. In the right hands every kind of music can be mixed combined and integrated with every other kind, with the result being more that the sum of its ingredients. In addition to the inspiring musical ideas, this album is also an amazing display of instrumental virtuosity by the trio members. Levy´s acoustic guitar embodies the music, playing both the melodic and the rhythmic parts with great lyricism as well as with vigor and energy. Salem´s flute is simply amazing from start to finish and although he played a lot of great music over time, this is definitely some of his best playing ever. The flute, which is sadly a neglected instrument in Jazz and Improvised Music in general, is such a limitless source of sounds, literally speaking from the player´s innermost depth of the soul. Ghosh proves again that a seemingly limited instrument like the tabla is in fact completely unbounded in the hands of a Master. Overall this is an amazing and fascinating album, which buffs of Jazz-World Fusion should find irresistible and flute lovers should find indispensible. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 16/02/2016Posted: 16/02/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

YONI RECHTER ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS HED ARZI 7294276650363 (Barcode: 7294276650363) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 - 2002 Released: 2013 This is a Box Set collection of four original albums by Israeli composer / keyboardist / singer Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, the most important figure on the popular music scene in the country. The albums are: "Legend In The SandsFind albums with this title" released in 1980 (and released here on CD for the first time), "Round About NowFind albums with this title" released in 1992, "Thoughts And PossibilitiesFind albums with this title" (with Eli MoharFind albums by this artist) released in 1995 and "Another StoryFind albums with this title" released in 2002. The fact that all these albums are not available on the market since quite a while is a travesty and this is a most welcome gesture to make them available again at a very reasonable price. "Legend In The Sands" is a ballet suite composed by Rechter for the Israeli Inbal Ballet Company. It is mostly instrumental, but includes also a few songs. The album was recorded at the same period when Rechter was recording his debut album "Intentions" and was released almost simultaneously with the debut, gaining no attention whatsoever at the time and disappearing in the deletion bins soon after. The music is an early example of Rechter´s ability to compose stylistically diverse music for different settings, beyond the Pop market. "Round About Now" is an instrumental album (with one exception), which presents eight original compositions by Rechter performed by a wonderful ensemble comprising of the top Israeli Jazz players at the time: saxophonist Guri AgmnonFind albums by this artist, flautist Ilan SalemFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Adi RennertFind albums by this artist, bassist Alon NadelFind albums by this artist and drummers Israel NachumFind albums by this artist, Eitan ItzkowitchFind albums by this artist and Yuval ShafrirFind albums by this artist. This is Rechter´s most Jazzy album ever and an absolute gem. For this reissue it was expanded with three bonus tracks recorded live in 2008 of similar instrumental material. "Thoughts And Possibilities" and "Another Story" are reviewed separately on my site. Overall this is a goldmine of absolutely brilliant music, which is an excellent example of what intelligent contemporary music should be like. Rechter´s role as a leader and pioneer of the Israeli music scene is invaluable and he deserves out deep appreciation and praise for his extraordinary achievements. Hopefully we´ll have the pleasure to enjoy many more of his works in the future.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend