Record Reviews

OFIR SHWARTZ ~ EARLIER IN TIME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 797734644296) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 Debut album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ofir ShwartzFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist Amitai LadinFind albums by this artist and drummer Elad AizikowitzFind albums by this artist, recorded after they played together for about three years. I found listening to this album a heartwarming experience for several reasons; the fact that the piano trio is my favorite Jazz trip is already well known to my fiends and foes alike, but the fact that three young Israeli musicians are capable of playing with such elegance, eloquence and maturity is truly astounding. Combined with the depth of the pianist´s compositions (all the music on this album, except one track, was composed by him), which are mostly lyrical and introvert, the overall impression is deeply moving. The music is much closer to European Jazz than to its American roots, reminiscent of Nordic and East European schools of Jazz composition. Mostly quite precise and well organized; the music sometimes glides into freely improvised passages, which albeit being brief, put it in an entirely new context. The rhythm section gives a perfectly solid support to the soloist, filling in the blanks and complimenting his performances without being intrusive. The interplay between the three musicians is perfectly balanced and respectful, which is a basis of every great piano trio. Shwartz isn´t trying to be overtly virtuosic in his performance, preferring subtlety and subtext to flashy, but meaningless glissandos and arpeggios. Every keystroke is precisely where it belongs, both musically and rhythmically, which is of course the way good music is supposed to be. Beautifully recorded, with a clear and warm resonance and perfect sonic balance between the instruments, this is an album every Jazz connoisseur should enjoy in full. The fact that it comes from our petite country is definitely a source of pride and joy for people like me, who care about our culture. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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OFIR SHWARTZ ~ SHADES OF FISH HEVHETIA 0075 (Barcode: 8588005257138) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ofir ShwartzFind albums by this artist, recorded in a piano trio format with bassist Gal ShayaFind albums by this artist and Slovenian (resident in Israel) drummer Gasper BertonceljFind albums by this artist. It presents nine (one repeated twice) original compositions, all by Shwartz (and a short solo piano piece as a hidden bonus track). The music consists mostly of melodic, lyrical ballads, which are Shwartz´s preferred modus operandi, but this album also introduces w few new elements in his music, like Rocky rhythms and "harder" approach in some of the tunes and certain moments of free improvised passages. Fortunately he is able to handle the different musical environments with ease and elegance. As a result most of the album is similar to the debut album, well within mainstream Jazz and melodic material and only parts venture into more ambitious territory. The trio performance is excellent from start to finish and presents a very high level of interplay between the three individual musicians, who obviously treat each other with respect and sympathy. Shaya is a wonderful bass player, very expressive and melodic, able to carry a tune and cooperating fabulously with the piano. His tone and technique are both outstanding. Bertoncelj keeps a relatively low profile, as appropriate for a piano trio, but his presence is definitely felt at all times as part of the trialogue. Overall this is a very impressive sophomore release, clearly pointing out the way towards establishing a career for Shwartz, which he builds up consistently and scrupulously. This album is a treat for piano trio lovers, with a few surprises therein, and deserves to be heard far and wide. It is also the first Israeli Jazz album released on the excellent Slovak HevhetiaFind albums on this label label, hopefully by far not the last. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend