Record Reviews
13 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ALEX BAND ~ THE ECCENTRIC
GAD 015 (Barcode: 5901549197174) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the second album by the Polish Big Band ensemble Alex BandFind albums by this artist, which was one of very few bands active in Eastern Europe playing instrumental Brass Rock and mixing Jazz-Rock Fusion, Funk and Soul. The band was founded and led by Aleksander MaliszewskiFind albums by this artist and on this album included a nine-piece brass section and a seven-piece rhythm section, with three keyboardists, i.e. a seventeen-piece (including the leader) band – definitely a unique lineup, especially so in Poland which at the time was still very much behind the Iron Curtain. The music was produced at two recording sessions, held six months apart, and released by the Polish Jazz Society´s record label HeliconFind albums on this label in late October 1981 just in time for the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival. Of course shortly thereafter the Martial Law was declared in Poland and all things cultural were washed down the drain into the Vistula River. The album included six original compositions, all by the band members, and for this reissue was expanded by three bonus tracks, all of which are studio outtakes from the album´s sessions.
The music is beautifully performed and recorded, with a very unique sound and ambience, which sets it apart from almost anything else recorded at the time in Eastern Europe. On this album the brass parts are more extensive than on the debut album and feature intricate arrangements, similar to the arrangements of modern American Big Bands active at the time. In retrospect this music still sounds fresh and vital, as it was at the time of the recording. Considering the very high level of the compositions and a marvelous execution, there is no way this music will be ever outdated.
Reissuing this jewel is another credit to the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which time after time manages to uncover yet another glorious glimpse of the past that in most cases was completely forgotten till now. The music on this album is a first-class example of skillful arrangements and brilliant recording, which should be studied by today´s music students.
Of course this is also a historic document of utmost importance and an integral part of the long and winding road that Polish Jazz travelled on over the years. Keeping this music available should be supported by the Polish State, since it has a whole Ministry (of Culture and National Heritage) to do so, sadly very little is done on that level and it is, as always, up to private parties, like Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, the man behind the GAD Records, to do the work of love which keeps Polish Culture alive and remembered. Thank you!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ JOURNEY
HELICON 8184 (Barcode: 7293627818421) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000
8th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLACKFIELD ~ BLACKFIELD (ISRAELI EDITION)
HELICON 8199 (Barcode: 7293627819923) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 - 2004 Released: 2004
BlackfieldFind albums by this artist is a cooperation project between Israeli Rock star Aviv Geffen and Porcupine Tree`s leader Steven Wilson. 18 months in the making, with both of them frequently flying between Tel-Aviv & London, finally the album is out to the delight of many fans. The material is mostly co-written by Geffen / Wilson and consists of some beautiful Rock songs spiced with modern psychedelia (a la PT), sung by Wilson. Since both artists are master tune craftsmen, you know what to expect - a real treat!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ MEMENTO MORI
HELICON 8213 (Barcode: 7293627821322) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002
9th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ WITH THE TIME (SPECIAL EDITION)
HELICON 8266 (Barcode: 7293627826624) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
10th album by Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well), the Israeli “rebel” poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not eschew any controversy, slaughtering “holy cows” by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. Since 2003 Aviv co-leads with Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist (Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist) the group BlackfieldFind albums by this artist, which managed to achieve huge international success, following the release of their debut album in 2004. Over four years since his last solo album Aviv finally unveils his new material, which is a direct continuation of his previous work Memento MoriFind albums with this title. Deeply lyrical and rather somber, but with excellent melody lines and a well developed artistic approach. Wilson provides some backing vocals and a strong cast of musicians supports the singer. The Special Edition includes a 10-songs bonus CD assembled especially for this project.
Limited Edition
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLACKFIELD ~ II (ISRAELI EDITION)
HELICON 8276 (Barcode: 7293627827621) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007
2nd album by Israeli / UK group which combines the forces of Israeli rocker Aviv Geffen and Porcupine Tree’s leader Steven Wilson. The album was recorded over several months between Tel-Aviv and London and released exactly three years after their sensational debut. The two leaders spread their responsibilities, each doing what he knows best. Geffen wrote 7 of the 10 songs present here and Wilson the other 3. Wilson takes all the vocal leads, except on one song, plays guitar and takes care of mixing and production. The music is a direct continuation of the direction the group took on the debut album, with solid songwriting and concise 4 minutes long songs arranged as a continuous flow of music almost like a concept album. String arrangements and keyboards provide a (mostly) melancholic background and Wilson’s guitar tastefully fills the spaces. Geffen’s songwriting is getting better and more refined with time, loosing some of the youthful rebellion that characterized his early days, replaced by distinct bitterness and melancholy. Overall a beautiful album worthy of repeated listening and growing on the listener with time. A most welcome follow-up to the debut and as usual already making all the fans waiting for the next one.
Note: The Israeli Edition is packaged in a plastic jewel case wrapped in a carton slipcase. The musical content is identical to the International Edition.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | AVIV GEFFEN ~ LIVE
HELICON 8287 (Barcode: 7293627828727) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
11th album by Israeli Rock legend Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (13th if one counts the two BlackfieldFind albums by this artist albums), and his first edition of live material, which in many respects serves as a summary of his 15 years on the scene. Geffen, much as his father Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist before him, was always at the epicenter of both the Israeli musical and political scenes. His early-days rebel behavior, anti-establishment protest and mannerisms created a huge public debate in Israeli in the early 1990s, but his popularity with the Israeli teens was sky-high. The peak of Geffen’s political involvement was reached when he publicly reconciled with Israeli Priminister Itzhak RabinFind albums by this artist, following Rabin’s dramatic peace efforts, which unfortunately happened shortly before Rabin was assassinated. In time Geffen withdrew from political involvement and public life (other than concerts) and in parallel also became more introvert as musician and lyricist. The themes of his songs changed from protest and rebellion to soul-searching and metaphysical journeys. Since 2003 Geffen lives mostly in London, where he met and befriended Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist (Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist), which led to the creation of their group Blackfield, and where he tries to develop his international career free from the restrictions imposed by the local Israeli scene. This Box Set includes two CDs recorded live during the summer of 2007. The songs – all written and composed by Geffen – span his entire career, with the older material appropriately rearranged and updated musically. Accompanied by a great band, which includes some of Israel’s best rockers, Geffen delivers his songs with passion and great stage presence. Although not a refined singer (some might even say a poor singer), his charisma and musicality transcend his limitations, as it does in many other cases in Rock music. Overall the delivery is very effective and these two disks summarize Geffen’s career to date perfectly. A couple of new songs, previously unrecorded, are also featured. The enclosed DVD is a great treat to Geffen fans, as it includes 21 video clips and live performances filmed between 1992 and 2008, none of which were previously commercially available. A beautiful booklet with the lyrics of all the songs (in Hebrew) and some nice photographs is also included. I can hardly imagine a better tribute to an artist’s career than this Box Set, which should delight all his numerous fans in Israel as well as abroad.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | 2CD+DVD 3 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NURIT GALRON ~ NURIT GALRON
HELICON 94101 (Barcode: 7293627410120) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1978 Released: 1990
1st album by Nurit GalronFind albums by this artist, one of the top Israeli singers with most of her artistic activity dedicated to performing songs written to lyrics by contemporary Israeli poets like Lea GoldbergFind albums by this artist and Natan ZachFind albums by this artist. This debut album is very much in the Prog vain, due to the intricate compositions and the cream of Israeli musicians who accompanied her on this recording. Strong Jazzy feel and great instrumental work are also present on this album and Galron´s vocals are exceptionally beautiful.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | YONI RECHTER / ELI MOHAR ~ EYE LEVEL
HELICON 94103 (Barcode: 7293627410328) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1986 Released: 1990
Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Eli MoharFind albums by this artist are responsible for some of the best music ever made in Israel, as performed by them and many other Israeli artists. This album started as the second solo album by Yoni, but ended up as a joint effort. Some of the best Israeli musicians play on this album with them. Hebrew vocals.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHLOMO YDOV ~ THE TIME IS-NOW
HELICON 94111 ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1985 by one of the most important Israeli musicians, who was a member of No Names. This album was recorded after Shlomo returned to Israel after his musical studies in the US and bears influences from jazz as well as Shlomo`s `native` South American roots. Some of the best Israeli players accompany him. Hebrew vocals.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RIMONA FRANCIS ~ RIMONA FRANCIS WITH STU HACOHEN ORCHESTRA
HELICON 94136 (Barcode: 7293627413626) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2000
1st album by Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist, the legendary Israeli jazz singer. This was one of the first jazz albums recorded in Israel and the original LP changed hands for asrtonomical amounts of money. Rimona recorded just 2 albums in Israel and left to live in Germany, where she pursued the singing career for a while (recording one great album for MPSFind albums on this label) and then left the music business. She is a phenomenal singer with an individual approach to jazz vocals, the first in the world to combine classical jazz elements and middle-eastern tonality. On this album she`s accompanied by her husband`s orchestra, which features all the great players from the first generation of Israeli jazz. This is not only a historical document of great importance, but also a superb album!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
|
