Record Reviews

IDO BUKELMAN ~ CRACKED SONG OUTNOW 001 (Barcode: 7290011216955) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist is one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In addition to his musical activities Bukelman recently combined forces with two other Israeli musicians (saxophonist Yoni KretzmerFind albums by this artist and guitarist Yair YonaFind albums by this artist) and together they launched a new Israeli record label, called OutNowFind albums on this label Recordings, dedicated to releasing their own music and other more ambitious and less commercial musical ventures, which otherwise would have very little (if any) chances to see the light of day at all. The label released its first six albums recently, of which this is the first one. Bukelman, who plays both acoustic and electric guitar, records in various settings, which include both solo and ensemble performances. This album finds him as a leader of a quartet, which includes his regular trio members: bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and drummer Udi ShlomoFind albums by this artist. Cellist Yuval MesnerFind albums by this artist joins them to form a quartet. The music, all composed by Bukelman, is surprisingly "well behaved" relatively to a Free Jazz setting, with clear melody lines stated throughout the improvisations. Although there´s plenty of freedom for the musicians to express their personal statements, the compositions are noticeably structured, which of course makes the music more accessible to a less experienced listener. In spite its free-spirit character, this music is far from being alienated from the Jazz tradition, which is one of its merits. The level of performances, interplay and personal statements is truly excellent throughout. Bukelman´s electric guitar sometimes ventures into Jazz-Rock territory with a slight scent of the free side of John McLaughlin, which I mean as a compliment considering my well known sympathy towards McLaughlin artistry. Mesner´s cello, excellent as always, paints a calmer atmospheric background and the rhythm section makes a superb effort to glue everything together, which is successful indeed. Altogether this is a first rate Free Jazz album, which most "regular" Jazz enthusiasts should enjoy as well. This level of musicianship, personal courage and dedication to the music is a heartwarming and one can hope that the future of noncommercial and artistic music in Israel has a new perspective in the hands of a new generation, which will take it further. This is brilliant stuff, not to be missed!

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ASSAF KEHATI ~ FLOWERS AND OTHER STORIES NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884501471824) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the 2nd album by Israeli (currently resident in the US) Jazz guitarist / composer Assaf KehatiFind albums by this artist. Following his studies at the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Israel Assaf received a scholarship and continued his studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he was immediately noticed for his talents as a player. In time he performed with many distinguished Jazz players and later founded his own quartet with saxophonist Alon FarberFind albums by this artist, bassist Daniel SapirFind albums by this artist and drummer Udi ShlomoFind albums by this artist, all three being also Israeli Jazz musicians. The album contains seven original compositions, which are all beautifully crafted. In fact it seems that his strength as a composer is as significant as his performing skills, a phenomenon which characterizes most young Israel Jazz players, who are part of a quite noticeable tribe occupying a respected position on the contemporary US scene, of which Assaf is now a proud member. The music is wonderfully versatile, with changing moods and tempi, but always highly melodic. Assaf plays some sweet licks and overall his approach to Jazz guitar is well based in tradition and at the same time very modern. He manages to stay away from the dreaded Fusion doodling, which is the plague of many contemporary players. All three members of his quartet give him full and sympathetic support and Alon´s solos are all excellent examples of intelligent and passionate modern Jazz. The rhythm section supports the two soloists formidably, and above all not intrusively, always there when needed most. Overall this is album is a real delight from start to finish, and should be able to defend itself even from the sternest critics. We can only hope for many more albums by Assaf in the future, assuming they will be all as good as this one. Congratulations are in order!

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UDI SHLOMO ~ DIASPORA HOUSE ALESSA 1094 (Barcode: 9004501010941) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by Israeli (resident in Norway) drummer / composer Uri ShlomoFind albums by this artist recorded in a quintet setting with Israeli saxophonist Omri AbramovFind albums by this artist and Dutch saxophonist Jesse SchilderinkFind albums by this artist, Norwegian pianist Havard AuflesFind albums by this artist and Swedish bassist David AnderssonFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded live, presents seven tracks, three of which are originals by Shlomo and four are his arrangements of Israeli / Jewish songs. The music is a mixture of modern Jazz and Middle Eastern accents, mostly very melodic and somewhat melancholic. The double saxophone front line offers a lot of interesting interplay between the two soloists, the piano mostly supports the music harmonically but at times offers excellent soloing, which is the most open element on the album, and the rhythm section keeps the music moving forward at a steady pace. Overall this is a promising debut album by Shlomo, exposing his compositional / arranging skills and his playing, as well as his integration into the European scene, which is certainly a wonderful example of openness and musical brotherhood. Hopefully Trondheim is not too cold for you Udi, and the many musical friends will keep you warm at heart. Keep up the good work!

Updated: 11/08/2021Posted: 11/08/2021

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UDI SHLOMO ~ YOU & ME ALESSA 1116 (Barcode: 9004501011160) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the second album by Israeli (resident in Norway) Jazz drummer / composer Udi ShlomoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with Israeli saxophonist Omri AbramovFind albums by this artist and pianist Moshe ElmakiasFind albums by this artist and Norwegian trumpeter Oscar Andreas HaugFind albums by this artist and bassist Andreas SvaboFind albums by this artist. Two guest musicians appear on two tracks. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which (one appearing in two versions) are original compositions by Shlomo and one is an arrangement of a traditional Jewish song (piyyut). But people familiar with Israeli music will find hints of other Israeli melodies incorporated into the music, especially in the “Country Song”, which is the most Middle Eastern oriented piece on the album, except of course from the arrangement of the piyyut. The music is mostly within the modern European mainstream, based on the excellent compositions by Shlomo, which are the true forte of this album. All the participating musicians are of course extremely talented, which is not surprising among the new generation of European musicians. Elmakias easily steals the show with his sensational piano parts, but the saxophone and trumpet parts are also perfectly executed. The rhythm section keeps the music streaming vivaciously and Shlomo’s imaginative drumming is perfect for the occasion. This album is definitely way more coherent, interesting and creative that than the debut recorded three years prior, which of course is a very positive and hopefully lasting development. The compositions are truly magnificent and Shlomo is one more evidence that many Jazz drummers are also superb composers. Overall, this is a very pleasant, beautifully put together album, which should satisfy even the most capricious Jazz connoisseurs, and an important step forward in Shlomo’s career, which surely holds many future surprises for us. Well done, young man, hats off to you and your colleagues!

Updated: 25/06/2023Posted: 25/06/2023

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