Record Reviews

MORDY FERBER ~ ALL THE WAY TO SENDAI ENJA 6030 (Barcode: 063757603023) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 1990 This is the debut album as a leader by Israeli guitarist / composer Mordy FerberFind albums by this artist, recorded with a spectacular international lineup, which includes Japanese trumpeter Tiger OkoshiFind albums by this artist, American saxophonists Bob MintzerFind albums by this artist, keyboardists American Brad HatfieldFind albums by this artist and Swiss Matthias GohlFind albums by this artist, bassists Czech Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and French Gildas BocleFind albums by this artist, American drummer Marty RichardsFind albums by this artist and Brazilian percussionist / vocalist Nana VasconcelosFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by Ferber. Ferber, born in 1958 near Haifa, was one of the many young Israeli musicians, who frequented my home while growing up and getting into Jazz, partly under my influence. By the end of the 1970s and in early 1980s Ferber became a most sought after Israeli session guitarists and took part in recording many legendary albums at the time. He left to study at Berklee, like many other Israeli Jazz musicians, and decided to stay in the US, visiting Israel occasionally. The music floats between melodic contemporary Jazz and some more Fusion influenced pieces, all beautifully put together and performed by this highly talented team. His guitar performances are nothing short of stellar and the entire album is a great piece of delightful music, which sadly never achieved the proper attention on the US scene, which has always been flooded by way too many mediocre releases. He recorded several more albums but his output sadly does not reflect his great talent, which is a great pity. Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of great music and spectacular playing, which is criminally little known both in Israel and on the global scene. Of course guitar enthusiasts should be primarily happy with this music. A great piece of personal nostalgia for me.

Updated: 11/08/2024Posted: 11/08/2024

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MORDY FERBER ~ BEING THERE HALF NOTE ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 2003 This is the 3rd album as a leader by Israeli guitarist / composer Mordy FerberFind albums by this artist, recorded with a fabulous group of excellent musicians, which includes the rhythm section comprising of bassist Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brad HatfieldFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist and Norwegian Ole MathisenFind albums by this artist (on one track), percussionist Frank ColonFind albums by this artist and finally bassist Will LeeFind albums by this artist and Japanese trumpeter Tiger OkoshiFind albums by this artist (both on one track). The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by the leader. The music is a brilliant collection of beautiful tunes, highly melodic and touching, all superbly performed by all the participants. Although Ferber is the main soloists, this album is not about showing his extraordinary guitar skills, but more of a team effort, to present the compositions at the most harmonious setting. That does not mean, of course, that his guitar is not featured prominently, and for guitar lovers this album is an absolute delight from start to finish. Also prominent is the extraordinary talent and unique feel of Eddie Gomez, who seems to be an ideal partner in crime herein. His work throughout the album, and especially the duo and trio tracks, where his bass is up front, are simply stunning. But all the musicians on this album seem to have a great time and play their hearts out. Overall, this is a stunning album in every respect, which spotlights Ferber both as a brilliant guitarist with a unique sound and feel, and an excellent weaver of melodies, which are coherent and aesthetically pleasing. In a world, where true artistry is appreciated, this album should have reached every Jazz lover and guitar enthusiast the world over, but alas that is nor the case. But it is never too late to grab a copy – you won’t regret it!

Updated: 07/09/2024Posted: 07/09/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend