Record Reviews

RAVID KAHALANI / YEMEN BLUES ~ YEMEN BLUES TAV 8 7290105161031 (Barcode: 7290105161031) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 - 2010 Released: 2011 This is a brilliant example of the musical fusion that is happening in Israel in the last decade. The dozens of different cultures living side by side in the tiny country of Israel are a fertile ground for interconnections and unexpected fusions since many years, but the last decade has been especially fertile, with new ensembles springing to life all the time. Vocalist / composer Ravid KahalaniFind albums by this artist collected around him a remarkable ensemble of gifted Israeli players, mostly with a strong Jazz background, and together they recorded this superb album, which combines African, Yemenite, Middle Eastern and other musical cultures, rhythms and traditions, fusing them all together into an amalgam, which is deeply moving and overwhelmingly beautiful. Kahalani wrote all the music and the lyrics (in several languages) and sings them simply breathtakingly. Yemen BluesFind albums by this artist was born when Kahalani met Israeli Jazz bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist, who adorned Kahalani´s music with brilliant Jazzy arrangements, which are intelligent and subtle enough not to overshadow the folkloristic roots, but add interesting layers and unexpected twists. Avital plays bass and oud on the album and the other musicians are: Galia HaiFind albums by this artist on viola, Hilla EpsteinFind albums by this artist on cello, Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist on flute, Itamar BorochovFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Avi LebovichFind albums by this artist on trombone, Itamar DoariFind albums by this artist and Rony IwrynFind albums by this artist on percussion. People interested in Jazz-World Fusion will be delighted with this album from the first time they hear it, and I can only recommend everybody to try it out! Brilliant stuff!

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DANIEL ZAMIR ~ MISSING HERE TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290013087850) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is the 7th album by brilliant Israeli saxophonist / composer Daniel ZamirFind albums by this artist, one of most renowned Israeli Jazz musicians born in the country, who also managed to establish an international career. Zamir was born to a secular family, but during his stay in the US re-discovered Jewish religion and became an orthodox Jew. Zamir lived in the US since 2000 and returned to Israel in 2006, where he now lives, writes music, performs and records. During his stay in US he was "discovered" by John ZornFind albums by this artist and eventually recorded four (so far) albums for Zorn´s TzadikFind albums on this label label. This is his third album recorded and released in Israel. His music is a wonderful mixture of Klezmer, Jewish music, Eastern European and of course Jazz, which is completely unique. His technical fluency and unlimited expressionist powers place his among the world´s saxophone virtuosi. He now plays the soprano saxophone exclusively and his sound is often reminiscent of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s. This album includes music composed entirely written by him and he´s accompanied by some of the best Israeli Jazz players: Omer KleinFind albums by this artist – piano, Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist – bass and Aviv CohenFind albums by this artist – drums. Guest players include trumpeter Itamar BorochovFind albums by this artist and trombonist Avi LeibovitchFind albums by this artist. Israeli singer / pianist Eviatar BanaiFind albums by this artist guests on the title track. The album is a beautiful listening experience to every sensitive music lover, with everybody being able to discover the many different facets of this great music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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