Record Reviews

SHLOMI GOLDENBERG ~ BLUES STRAIGHT AHEAD NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Israeli saxophonist / composer Shlomi GoldenbergFind albums by this artist is one of the most active musicians on the local scene. Shlomi released his debut recording on my JazzisFind albums on this label label almost 20 years ago, and he´s been recording and releasing albums ever since. This album presents him in a quartet setting with pianist Nitzan GavrieliFind albums by this artist, bassist Nadav LahishFind albums by this artist and drummer Roi UlielFind albums by this artist, playing what seems at first glance as a nostalgic set of his own Blues-based compositions, similar to the material recorded by many Jazz Giants at the outset of their careers, especially John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Although the music is definitely straight-forward, it is by no means simplistic. If fact it is often more challenging to play today in a straight-forward manner than explore the thrills of freedom that Jazz allows, provided of course that the straight-forward performance is as good as the one presented here. Shlomi´s ability and fluidity as a player are quite evident here, when he soars during his solos and he´s superbly supported by the pianist and the rhythm section. All the musicians have a great grasp of the Blues background so omnipresent in Jazz, enabling them to explore the compositions to their full potential. Overall this is an excellent album from start to finish, somewhat nostalgic, but very much contemporary at the same time. I´m sure that this album can be enjoyed by many Jazz connoisseurs around the world.

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