Record Reviews

ANAT COHEN ~ NOTES FROM THE VILLAGE ANZIC 1302 (Barcode: 896434001177) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 4th album by Israeli (resident in US) clarinetist / saxophonist / composer Anat CohenFind albums by this artist, sister of trumpeter Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who are also collectively known as the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist. Cohen is already established as one of the leading female Jazz performers in the US and her previous releases have earned her much deserved critical acclaim. On this album Cohen returns to a classic quartet format, with keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist (the only non-Israeli on this album), bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Gilad HekselmanFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. Cohen´s prime instrument is the clarinet, which she plays masterfully and with a unique lyricism, rooted deeply in the Jewish tradition of that instrument, but she also plays the soprano and tenor saxophones and bass clarinet on this album, displaying her instrumental versatility. Half of the album´s material comprises of Cohen´s original compositions, the rest are standards, including a great version of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s "After The Rain". It is a real pleasure to hear these young, but extremely talented musicians, carrying the Jazz tradition into the next Century, expanding it with their own fresh ideas and youthful enthusiasm. Cohen masterly mixes Middle Eastern, Cuban, and above all Jewish ethnic elements into her delivery, with deep sensitivity and finesse. Overall this is a great Jazz album, which is also accessible to a much wider audience beyond the hard-core Jazz circle, without loosing any of its musical integrity. Delightful!

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AVISHAI COHEN ~ AFTER THE BIG RAIN ANZIC 5101 (Barcode: 616892887928) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 2nd album by Israeli (resident in US) trumpeter / composer Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the bass player of the same name), one of several Israeli Jazz musicians who are already firmly established on the international scene. Avishai is the brother of Anat CohenFind albums by this artist and Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, both gifted reeds players, and together they perform under the 3 CohensFind albums by this artist moniker. This album is the first release of a Jazz trilogy called "Big Rain", and presents Cohen in a quintet setting with guitarist Lionel LouekeFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist, bassists Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel FreedmanFind albums by this artist. Chekere player Yosvany TerryFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The ensemble creates together a highly atmospheric and beautiful mixture of Jazz and World Music, which is a superb example of how Jazz can be saved from stagnation and pushed beyond its usual perimeters. Cohen skillfully employs the trumpet´s natural lyricism as well as electronic effects to produce a plethora of different sounds. Lindner´s playing is delicate and touching, especially when he uses the Fender Rhodes (no other keyboard except the Hammond has such profound and unique sound for me). Loueke´s guitar adds ethnic colors and his occasional vocals (in the Fon language) take the music straight into the heart of Africa. Avital is brilliant, as always, with his bass pulsating like a heart of the music and finally Freedman ornaments the music rather than driving it forcefully, which in this case is exactly what the music needs. Cohen composed most of the music, with Lindner and Loueke contributing one tune each. Altogether this album is an excellent example of creative contemporary Jazz, combining tradition with vision, excellently executed and uplifting. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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YUVAL COHEN ~ FREEDOM ANZIC 3101 (Barcode: 6168928822303) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 1st album by Israeli saxophonist / composer Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, who with his two siblings Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist (trumpet) and Anat CohenFind albums by this artist (clarinet and saxophone) co-leads the Jazz group 3 CohensFind albums by this artist (The “other” Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist, who is a famous bass player, is their cousin BTW). Yuval is a very gifted and accomplished musician, with an impressive musical education and experience, but the “real” story behind this album is the tragedy he experienced, when he became paralyzed as a result of an illness. After years of surgery, excruciating pain and suffering, he finally recovered, after having to re-learn how use his body and how to make music – an incredible triumph of mind and willpower over the human body. Yuval writes in the liner notes: “I would like to dedicate this album to the heroes of life, those people with disabilities who wake up each morning to discover afresh the powers hidden in their bodies and spirits which enable them to get through the day”. Now to the music – Yuval composed nine of the ten tracks on this album and performs them with his quartet, where he plays the soprano saxophone and which includes Gilad HexelmanFind albums by this artist on guitar, Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist on bass and Daniel FriedmanFind albums by this artist on drums. Avishai on trumpet and Anat on clarinet guest on a few tracks. The music flows beautifully and is high spirited and very well performed. Yuval’s compositions are consistently excellent and the overall result should satisfy every lover of contemporary mainstream Jazz. Another proud addition to the growing Israeli Jazz legacy.

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ARI EREV ~ FLOW NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 889211668571) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by Israeli pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist, recorded this time by a core trio with veteran bassist Eli MagenFind albums by this artist and drummer Ron AlmogFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist is featured on five tracks and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist on four others. The album presents twelve compositions, nine of which are originals by Erev, one is a standard, another is a Brazilian tune and finally one is an Israeli evergreen, all arranged by him. As usual with Erev, each of his albums is quite different from its predecessors and this one is no exception, with a clear emphasis on Latin rhythms and catchy melodic themes. His deep lyricism is mostly subdued this time and surfaces mostly on the title track and occasionally here and there, with the rest of the album being on the lighter side of the idiom. Nevertheless the album is beautifully played, with Erev weaving wonderfully melodic piano lines and Magen supporting him amicably with his clear, tasteful bass pulsations, the drummers being right there on time and Cohen´s smooth soprano saxophone sounds dancing in the wind. Overall this is another valuable addition to Erev´s recorded legacy, and a document of the diverse Israeli Jazz scene, of which I am always proud. Erev might be a representative of the traditional mainstream on this album, but he is definitely a traditionalist in the best meaning of the phrase, a true gentleman and a great Artist. For fans of melodic, relaxed Jazz this is definitely a true gem.

Updated: 27/01/2016Posted: 27/01/2016

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ARI EREV ~ CLOSE TO HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 195079892035) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the fourth album by Israeli Jazz pianist / composer Ari ErevFind albums by this artist, recorded with a core trio which includes bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist and Slovenian (resident in Israel) drummer Gasper BertonceljFind albums by this artist. Guest musicians include saxophonists Yuval CohenFind albums by this artist, flautist Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist and percussionist Gilad DobreckyFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Erev and five are arrangements of tunes by other composers. The music is, as always, first and foremost beautifully melodic, with strong rhythmic presence, all well within the mainstream Jazz idiom. Erev is a wonderful songweaver and his original melodies all sound like “instant” standards, even if heard for the first time. The rhythm section and guests all perform amicably of course, as expected from highly professional musicians, but personally Erev’s piano playing remains the focus of the album, and it never disappoints. His magic touch on the keyboard is pure delight and I have never enough of listening to him, with glimpses of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist lurking from above. Erev is not looking for any experimentation here, simply trying to deliver a highly melodic, pleasant and straight to the heart message of good time, which often gets forgotten in contemporary Jazz. This album is another solid addition to Erev’s recorded legacy, and a fine portrait of the diversity of Israeli Jazz, which sadly remains almost completely anonymous outside of the country’s borders. Highly recommended, as always, and hopefully we won’t have to wait another five years for the next one.

Updated: 14/05/2021Posted: 14/05/2021

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