Record Reviews
18 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ WITH FRIENDS
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 01 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003
Jean Claude Jones (bass) is a central figure on the Israeli jazz scene since many years and a pivotal member of the avantgarde / free jazz movement in Israel. Former member of the Kedma trio, he played with litarally everybody on the scene during the years. This is his debut album as a leader and he performs a series of duets with usual friends like Harold Rubin (clarinet), Yuval Mesner (cello) and many others. This is a showcase of his skills as a player and improviser and an important document of the local scene.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN / JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ MUSE & MUSIC
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 03 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
This album documents the musical / spiritual meeting between the two leaders of the Israeli improvised music scene. Harold RubinFind albums by this artist started the movement on the late 1980’s, after his legendary group ZaviotFind albums by this artist disbanded, leading a long series of ensembles active in the Tel-Aviv area, where he lives. Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist (or J.C. to his friends) arrived on the scene at about the same time, playing with another legendary group KedmaFind albums by this artist (both Zaviot and Kedma released their albums on JazzisFind albums on this label Records). Later on Jones played with many different ensembles in the Jerusalem area, where he lives, and founded the Kadima CollectiveFind albums on this label – an association of improvising artists (cross-genre), which now independently releases various projects on record. Their path crossed many times over the years but they somehow failed to record together and this much overdue album puts things right at last. The intimate duo of clarinet and electro acoustic bass is the foundation of the music, with Harold reciting / voicing his poetry on top and Jones adding live electronics occasionally, all of those based on musical telepathy and interplay between the creators. This is intense stuff, requiring total attentiveness and open-mindedness, but for people who are willing to stretch out their intellectual muscles the rewards are infinite. Sadly, there is very little music of such quality being made anywhere in the wold these days.
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  | JOSEF SPRINZAK / JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ THE WORLD IS ROUND
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 04 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Both Sprinzak & Jones are members of the Kadima Collective - an umbrella organization of Israeli musicians formed to promote Free Improvised Music in Israel. Members originate from variety of music genres, i.e. classical , jazz & rock. Their work includes collaborations with poets and vocal artists. This album is an excellent example of such collaboration. Jones plays bass and electronics and Sprinzak delivers some amazing vocals, based on a story by Gertrude Stein. His artistic language is based on breaking words into syllables, using breathing techniques and extreme vocal production. The result is a kind of music played by the instrument of language. This is something for the more advaturous music lovers, avant-heads and people who enjoy a musical challenge.
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  | GAN LEV ~ LANGUAGES
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 05 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
Gan Lev is a renowned Israeli saxophonist. He is a graduate of the Manness College of Music in NY and studied in various European music Academies. An accomplished classical player he is a member of the Israeli Philharmonic, but his real love is jazz and improvised music. On this album he cooperates with bassist Jean Claude Jones, founder of the Kadima Collective. Playing a wide rage of saxophones (soprano, alto & baritone) Lev displays his exceptional technique and deep feel for the music. The duo performs 17 (mostly short) pieces, varying from clearly composed to totally improvised music. For the fans of the genre this is something to savor. It is heartwarming to see such unconventional and challenging music being released on record, thanks to the Kadima Collective initiative, well done!
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  | TEMPERAMENTAL TRIO ~ RAW AND THE COOKED
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 06 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
The Jerusalem based “Kadima Collective”, under the leadership of Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist, has been over the last few years a major source of new Israeli releases, all of which present the local improvised music scene, or what is often referred to as “weird jazz”. Jones and his cohorts create music which is totally free from any commercial / business aspects, which enables them total artistic freedom of expression. Temperamental TrioFind albums by this artist is Stephen HorensteinFind albums by this artist – baritone saxophone, Loic KessousFind albums by this artist – electronics and Jean Claude Jones – bass. They perform a series of collaborative compositions freely floating between free jazz, contemporary chamber music and electronic music. Highly emotional and absorbing, these sound collages are a demanding listening experience for open-minded and experienced listeners.
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  | ARIEL LANYI ~ 31 BARS
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 07 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
1st album by Israeli Jazz prodigy Ariel LanyiFind albums by this artist. It is extremely difficult to write anything about this album due to the fact that it probably is the most sensational jazz recording ever, considering the fact that Ariel was only 8 years old (YES EIGHT) when this music was recorded. Of course there are a few well-known piano prodigies in music’s history, but surely none of these played improvised music and free jazz. Ariel plays classical piano since the age of 4 and discovered jazz accidentally (at the tender age of 7) by pressing an Earl Hines link on the Net. He started to take lessons with Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist, leader of the Kadima Collective (a group of Israeli musicians dedicated to improvised music) and soon was discovered to possess exceptional gift for improvisation and a musical attitude of a matured musician. The music included here was recorded on several occasions live and in the studio during the months proceeding his 9th Birthday, when this album was released. The album contains mostly Ariel’s original compositions and improvisations, primarily because composition, free improvisation and Avant-Garde are the main attraction of jazz for him. The few standards that appear here are substantially altered, as appropriate for his genre. Some of the pieces are solo piano performances, others are duos with Israel’s most important improvisers (all of which could easily be Ariel’s grandfathers), like Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (clarinet), Jess KorenFind albums by this artist (sax), Jerry GarvalFind albums by this artist (drums) and Jean Claude Jones (bass). Whatever the starting point of each piece, they all show Ariel’s enthusiasm for free improvisation and his unique mixing of styles, ideas and influences. One thing is sure; nobody in this world would guess, by listening to this music without the knowledge of the facts, that this is a kid. The music is completely mature and exceptionally developed. It’s almost scary to imagine what this kid will be up to in a few years? Check it out for yourself!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ HOSTING MYSELF
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 08 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2006
Jean Claude Jones is the leader and the driving force of the Kadima Collective, a group of Israeli musicians who practice free improvisations as their primary musical habitat. The Kadima Collective record label releases albums, which would have never seen the light of day in any commercial environment. This album is a perfect example of such a release. Jones recorded this album all by himself using only his bass and some electronic devices to create all the sounds. The music is all freely improvised of course and therefore completely adventitious, yet it makes perfect sense to a listener, who is ready to engage in the creative process with the Artist. The album includes only 3 tracks: The first and third tracks are excerpts of a live recording Jones made while the dancer Julyen Hamilton performed an improvised dance to his music. The second track (over 32 minutes long) is composed of 18 shorter episodes recorded in the studio over a period of several months. This is a bold and well-articulated statement by a seasoned and determined Artist, who remains restless and adventurous at all times. For listeners with positively opened ears only.
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  | ARIEL SHIBOLET ~ UNTITLED (1959)
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 09 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
This album brings together the Jerusalem based Kadima Collective member saxophonist Ariel Shibolet with four Bay Area Californians (Aurora Josephson – vocals, Jen Baker – trombone, Scott R. Looney – piano and Damon Smith – bass). The players got together one afternoon and performed the music captured here without any preparations in advance. “Natural, home-brewed, organic music” is what Shibolet calls it, and so it is. Of course the five players, being all free improvisers and familiar with the concept of spontaneity had no problem finding a common language creating music together. The result is quite surprising, presenting a wide range of musical concepts and interplay, all within the free jazz / contemporary improvised music vein. All track titles were given names of paintings by the great American artist Mark Rothko and the portraits of the players were drawn by Aurora – a nice touch pointing out the close relationship of different aspects of Art and Culture. Adventurous music for adventurous listeners.
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  | HAROLD RUBIN ~ ONE VOICE
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 10 (Barcode: 634479548291) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2007
If it wasn’t for the fact that Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (musician, painter and poet) lives and creates music in Israel, I’m pretty sure that he would have become one of the best-known icons of Avant-Garde jazz worldwide. Since I “discovered” Harold 20 years ago, he never ceased to amaze me every time I hear him play live or hear any of his recorded music. His absolutely unique approach to his instrument – the clarinet – and to music in general is phenomenal and in spite of his advanced age he is (to me) one of the most vigorous, adventurous and daring musicians on this planet. Although usually described as a free jazz player, his music can be movingly lyrical at times. He is able to express the entire range of human emotions, from peace and bliss to frenzy and rage. I really hope more people will discover his wonderful music in time. This recording captures Harold completely on his own for the first time (He usually plays in a trio / quartet setting and sometimes in duos). There is nothing else here but the man and his clarinet – the ultimate intimacy. Harold composed all the music included here, including the five part suite “A Quiet Place for Mr. K. K.” dedicated to King Kong, which he describes as follows: “It relates to a psychotic King Kong living in our now world, where brutality has become a way of life and fragile fragments of joy alleviate a terrifying sense of sadness”. I hope Harold’s music will become your “fragments of joy” forever.
Side Note: This is a reissue of this album on the Kadima CollectiveFind albums on this label label, replacing the original release done privately by Harold, which BTW is a rare collectors´ item by now.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARIEL LANYI ~ ORIGAMI: PIANO SOLO
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 12 (Barcode: 634479580017) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
2nd album by Israeli Jazz prodigy Ariel LanyiFind albums by this artist, 9 years old at the time this music was recorded. This time completely alone at the piano, without any guidance from his older peers, Ariel displays his exceptional talent even more forcefully then on his debut album. Out of the 10 tracks on this album, 7 are his own compositions / improvisations and just 3 are standards (by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist). I really don’t know what to say here, except that this is scary stuff, when a 9 years old person displays the maturity and skills worthy of a fully grown up and accomplished musician. There are no gimmicks here, none whatsoever. Just the kid, his piano and the unbelievable music he makes. There is no way on earth (or above) that anybody listening to this music blindfolded could have guessed the age of the performer. I’m not a sappy sentimentalist, who looks for divine sources for inspiration, but there must be some kind of divine intervention here at work. The stuff Ariel can do at his current age are often never achieved by people ten times older then him who played piano their entire life. I know you don’t believe me – no problem – just listen.
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  | ARIEL SHIBOLET / BETWEEN THE STRINGS TRIO ~ LIVE AT THE TEL AVIV MUSEUM
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 13 (Barcode: 634479391576) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007
2nd album by Israeli saxophonist Ariel ShiboletFind albums by this artist, this time in cooperation with the Between The Strings TrioFind albums by this artist (Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist – bass, Daniel HoffmanFind albums by this artist – violin and Nori JacobyFind albums by this artist – viola), recorded live at the Tel Aviv Museum. The concert includes three parts, starting with a solo soprano saxophone performance by Ariel, continued by a piece by the string trio and concluded by a quartet performance by Ariel with the trio. Over 61 minutes of purely improvised music, challenging and difficult as always, but deeply rewarding to the disciples of the genre. Ariel’s playing is deeply rooted in the tradition of the late period John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Steve LacyFind albums by this artist and Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, based on complete control of the instrument, virtuosity and of course relentless passion. The balance between Ariel and the string trio, as well as their cooperative group improvisation is truly inspiring. Contrary to popular opinion improvised music is definitely still alive and kicking, and the fact that it still thrives here in Israel (although abandoned in other places) makes me especially proud, proving the multi-cultural openness of our society.
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  | JEAN CLAUDE JONES ~ RECOMP
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 14 (Barcode: 634479745652) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1997 - 2007 Released: 2008
Israeli bassist and Improvised Music pioneer Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist revisits eleven musical pieces recorded live and in studio over a period of ten years, performing, what he calls recomposition of the pieces. In his own words: “As opposed to mere editing, recomp involves the deconstruction, subtraction, rearrangement, and reconstruction of the material. It not only changes the sequencing, but it radically affects the feeling and the flow of the music. It also changes the texture of the weave, the voice of the team, and the original intention, revealing new connections, transitions, and possibilities”. The pieces are duos and trios played with other Israeli Improvised Music musicians like Harold RubinFind albums by this artist (clarinet), Steve HorensteinFind albums by this artist (flute, bass clarinet & saxophone), Daniel HoffmanFind albums by this artist (violin) and others. One duet with world-famous Israeli bass player Avishai CohenFind albums by this artist is also included. As usual, this is very difficult music, suitable for enthusiasts of the genre, but also an extremely rewarding intellectual experience. It’s good to see some people still treating music as Art and not a commercial commodity.
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  | TANAKA ~ LITHP
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 15 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
2nd album by Israeli Improvised Music quartet TanakaFind albums by this artist, which consists of Adi SnirFind albums by this artist (soprano & tenor saxophone, clarinet), Roni BrennerFind albums by this artist (guitar), Michel MayerFind albums by this artist (guitar) and Ofer BymelFind albums by this artist (drums). These four young musicians play some of the most extreme Improvised Music I ever came across, which is pretty unique and astounding, but extremely difficult and uncommunicative. The music bears some resemblance to musique concrete, incidental music and industrial. The album consists of a series of 13 relatively short pieces and one extended performance, with the musicians using their instruments in completely unconventional manner and the overall result is very difficult to describe, especially to people who have no experience with hard-core Avant-Garde music. Nevertheless adventurous listeners might find this stuff fascinating and it does expand the borders of “music making”, which is always commendable. This stuff is for people, who are extremely open-minded and ready to test their intellectual capacity, regardless of the effort this requites.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOËLLE LÉANDRE / BARRE PHILLIPS ~ A L`IMPROVISTE
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 16 (Barcode: 634479752964) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
French bassist Joëlle LéandreFind albums by this artist is one of a relatively few women pioneers on the Free Jazz and Improvised Music scene to earn a legendary status. Her activities on the scene have brought her in contact with the most distinguished performers, both European and American (such as Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist). She also worked in the field of contemporary Classical music with composers like Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist and John CageFind albums by this artist. Her partner for this recording is no other than another bass virtuoso – American born (but living in France since the early 1970s) Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist, one of the most esteemed Free Jazz and Improvised Music players, with a career stretching back to the 1960s and cooperation with such great musicians like John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist, Paul BleyFind albums by this artist and many others. His ECM album with Dave HollandFind albums by this artist “Music From Two BassesFind albums with this title” was the first bass duo recording (1971), which brings us to this superb duet. Excellently recorded by the French Radio, the music is a completely improvised set, full of beautiful conversations and exchanges between the players, who display almost telepathic contact. Full of deep feeling and lyricism, but always inspired by the fire and passion for the music, the duo performs some incredible music, which although demanding, is most enjoyable. It is a great example of how Improvised Music can stay being Avant-Garde in nature, but become mature and technically flawless. Highly recommended to lovers of acoustic bass and challenging musical experiences.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOËLLE LÉANDRE ~ LIVE IN ISRAEL
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 17 (Barcode: 634479851179) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
French bassist Joëlle LéandreFind albums by this artist is one of a relatively few women pioneers on the Free Jazz and Improvised Music scene to earn a legendary status. Her activities on the scene have brought her in contact with the most distinguished performers, both European and American (such as Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist). She also worked in the field of contemporary Classical music with composers like Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist and John CageFind albums by this artist. In 2007 Joëlle visited Israel and her live performances there have been recorded and are now issued on this double CD. The first CD includes 7 solo bass (and voice) performances and the second CD offers her playing in duo, trio and sextet settings with the top Israeli Improvised Music artists: Jean Claude JonesFind albums by this artist – bass, Steve HorensteinFind albums by this artist – baritone and soprano sax, flute, Sameer MakhoulFind albums by this artist – oud and voice, Assif TsaharFind albums by this artist – bass clarinet, Daniel SaridFind albums by this artist – piano, Hagai FershtmanFind albums by this artist – drums, Albert BegerFind albums by this artist – tenor sax and Ariel ShiboletFind albums by this artist – soprano sax. These wonderful musical moments are some of the highlights of the Improvised Music created in Israel, a small but quite lively scene led by Jones and consistently documented on his Kadima CollectiveFind albums on this label label. Connoisseurs of the genre will be quite delighted to hear this stuff.
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  | IDO BUKELMAN ~ THE DOOR
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 33 (Barcode: 7290011216009) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011
This is the second solo recording by Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In contrast to his ensemble recordings or those with the EFTFind albums by this artist trio, where he mostly plays electric guitar, on his solo albums Bukelman opts for the acoustic guitar, adding also banjo and some percussion on this one. Of the eleven tracks on this album, all composed by him, the last six are connected into a suite, which gives the album its title. In comparison to his previous solo album ("SoloFind albums with this title"), recorded just a few months earlier, this album is much more relaxed and "well behaved", with clear melodic content popping out between and behind the freely improvised passages. Of course this is still very much Improvised Music, very personal and complex, which presents quite a challenge to the listener, but the overall effect of this album is definitely less stressful and estranging. With four albums recorded and released in less than a year Bukelman emerges as a major talent of the local scene, one that deserves to be followed carefully, open-mindedly and openheartedly as a source of some serious musical experiences. Hopefully there will be an audience open-minded enough to enjoy and appreciate this music.
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