Record Reviews

ALON FARBER / HAGIGA ~ DREAMS I DREAM ORIGIN 82923 (Barcode: 805558292323) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is an album by Israeli saxophonist / composer / bandleader Alon FarberFind albums by this artist and his ensemble HagigaFind albums by this artist, which this time is compressed into a classic quartet setting, with pianist Katia TooboolFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and drummer Yonatan RosenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Farber, one is by Toobool and one is by Oded MeirFind albums by this artist, the trombonist of the larger lineup of the ensemble. The music is all straightforward mainstream Modern Jazz, based on excellently composed and arranged, melody based pieces, superbly performed by the quartet. The smaller lineup of the ensemble allows the two soloists to shine more prominently, which they, as expected, do. Toobool is a wonderful melody weaver and her improvisations adorn the melody lines like a classy wedding dress does to a bride, with the help of Chantilly French lace. Farber is more like a pied piper of Hamelin, leading the listener wherever he wishes, unable to stop following his tangled musical lines. Together with the tight rhythm section, this version of Hagiga is a true joy to listen to, and easily holds its own against any similar ensemble worldwide. Overall, I really enjoyed this album immensely, without any reservations, which happens rather rarely when I listen to mainstream Jazz these days. There is enough elegance, talent and truthfulness both in the music and the performances to fully satisfy my spoiled / overloaded musical taste buds, and the fact that the music originates from home turf is even more enjoyable.

Updated: 14/11/2026Posted: 14/11/2026

CD 1 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend

AMIT GOLAN ~ I DECIDED! NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 1st album by Israeli pianist / composer / teacher Amit GolanFind albums by this artist. Although active on the local scene for some time, this is Golan’s debut release. He leads a quintet with fellow Israeli players (Asaf YuriaFind albums by this artist – tenor sax, Gilad AbroFind albums by this artist – bass and Doron TiroshFind albums by this artist / Yonatan RosenFind albums by this artist – drums) and the guest US trumpeter Joe MagnarelliFind albums by this artist. Golan composed all the wonderful music (except one standard), which sounds remarkably like something taken directly from the 1960s at the peak of the Hard Bop era. The entire album could be easily mistaken for a “lost” Blue NoteFind albums on this label album by Horace SilverFind albums by this artist, and I bet a lot of people would have never guessed this is a contemporary recording by a bunch of Israeli players. And I mean absolutely no criticism by that, on the contrary, being able to reproduce that sound and feel is quite remarkable. Considering that Jazz in Israel was almost nonexistent in the 1960s, this is a most beautiful way to pay the dues. I can’t imagine any Jazz fan around the world not liking this stuff – it is absolutely perfect in what it stands for – solid mainstream jazz at its best with a nostalgic wink. I feel really proud that our tiny Jazz scene is capable of producing such mature and technically perfect piece of music. The recording quality is also remarkable, considering that most of the music was recorded live. Mr. Rudy Van GelderFind albums by this artist would be undoubtedly smiling if he ever got to listen to this one. How about you?

Updated: 12/06/2018Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend