Record Reviews
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  | ROCKFOUR ~ MEMORIES OF THE NEVER HAPPENED
ANOVA 002 (Barcode: 7290011799021) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2007
Israeli group RockfourFind albums by this artist has been the dominating force on the local scene since the early-1990s. Although basically an Alternative Rock outfit, they have changed styles and genres with every one of their albums released over the years, moving between Psychedelica, Prog, Classic Rock, Retro and even Avant-Garde. The sound of the group is completely unique and all their albums sound as if a British band recorded them in the late 1960s (nobody hearing their stuff would ever guess these are Israeli musicians recording in the 1990s or 2000s). Although the band performs and records predominantly their own music, they have often included in their shows (and sometimes recorded) their interpretations of classic 1960s material by their favorite groups like LoveFind albums by this artist, ZombiesFind albums by this artist and especially Pink FloydFind albums by this artist (see Side Note). This album presents the three core members of the band: Baruch Ben IzhakFind albums by this artist (lead vocals and guitars), Marc LazareFind albums by this artist (bass) and Issar TennenbaumFind albums by this artist (drums) with Yaki GaniFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and some guest musicians performing a set of new songs sung in English (they have been using English lyrics for several years now), recorded partly in the US and partly in Tel Aviv. The result is an outstanding album sounding like a lost treasure from the 1970s, full of beautiful songs and excellent instrumental work. It is quite certain that this album will achieve the same international acclaim as the last few Rockfour albums, which have been praised by top music critics like Ritchie Utenberger and others. Absolutely deserving wider recognition, I hope this album will open new gates all over the world for this great group.
Side Note: Rockfour have always had a soft spot for early Pink Floyd and they recently won the Arnold Lane Contest organized by David GilmoreFind albums by this artist, in which bands from all over the world submitted their versions of the Syd BarrettFind albums by this artist’s song (see Gilmore’s web site for details).
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | NOA BABAYOF ~ FROM A WINDOW TO A WALL
ANOVA 004 (Barcode: 7290011799045) ~ ISRAEL ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
1st album by Israeli singer / songwriter Noa BabayofFind albums by this artist and a striking debut. Noa wrote all the music and the lyrics (in English) and performs them utilizing her exceptional voice accompanied by some of the most interesting and intricate string arrangements one can imagine. The entire album is completely acoustic, with guitar, violin, cello, flute, recorder, harp, etc. used to create the highly atmospheric and often mystical ambience. Noa’s voice is clear and precise even in the most difficult passages and her expressionism remarkable. The album was produced by US producer Greg WeeksFind albums by this artist (who also wrote all the string arrangements) and recorded in Philadelphia, and the sonic quality is superb. The overall effect is a timeless beauty somewhere between Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist and Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, which should appeal to all music lovers who are ready to make an effort when listening to their music. The album is exquisitely packaged and beautifully designed, which complements the music content perfectly. This release is another proof that the local Israeli music scene is capable of producing works of high quality, which easily match anything coming from abroad. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | YAIR YONA ~ REMEMBER
ANOVA 014 (Barcode: 7290011799144) ~ ISRAEL ~ World Music & Folklore
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
This instrumental album by Israeli guitarist / composer Yair YonaFind albums by this artist is extremely difficult to categorize, as it is truly cross-genre. Yair´s composition move freely between Folk, Country and contemporary Classical music, but they are all beautifully melancholic and full of interesting melody lines. A host of guest musicians help along, mostly playing string instruments, which are used both in the background and as in full-fledged string arrangements. Yair plays a plethora of acoustic guitars; 6 and 12 strings, slide, bass and others. The overall effect is quite effective and certainly worth listening to. Recommended to connoisseurs of more eclectic and demanding music, which requites attentive listening.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALBERT BEGER ~ PEACEMAKER
ANOVA 028 (Barcode: 7290011799281) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
Although Israeli Jazz produced a vast amount of great musicians in its short life-span, many of which are now world-famous and enjoy success, especially on the NY scene, the two brightest and most visionary Israeli Jazz figures remain relatively anonymous outside of their homeland: clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Albert BegerFind albums by this artist. Although separated by a generation gap, both Rubin and Beger made the decision of take the less-treaded path of Free Jazz and Improvised Music, shunning any commercial or non-artistic influences and remaining always true to their inner call. This is the 9th album by Albert Beger in 15 years of his recording legacy, adding another invaluable layer to his artistic heritage. Always re-inventing himself and arising life a phoenix from the ashes of whatever occupied his musical mindset previously, Beger presents here a new approach, using a new ensemble, which includes guitarist Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Assaf HakimiFind albums by this artist, drummer Dan BenediktFind albums by this artist and Avi ElbazFind albums by this artist on electronics. This rejuvenated ensemble creates a completely new sound and enables Beger to explore new vistas, previously uncharted, like Rock rhythms and electronic ambience. As usual, he composed and arranged all the music, which is remarkably fresh and uplifting and also surprisingly melodic at times, which results in the music being probably more accessible to a larger audience than previously. But of course this new direction does not, by any means, signify any artistic compromises or "selling out". This is still absolutely brilliant music, intelligent and complex as always, and full of inner beauty and depth. It´s definitely time for Beger to be "discovered", as whatever he has to offer musically is no less valuable that anything else being created anywhere, and probably more so. This is essential stuff for mind and body – just let it in!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SAARNAAJA
NOVA 23 (Barcode: 6420114012036) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2016
This is the third album by the Finnish Sointi Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2013 by composer / arranger / conductor Rasmus SoiniFind albums by this artist. The orchestra consists of seventeen musicians, forming the classic four sections. On this album the special guest and primary soloist is the legendary Finnish saxophonist / flautist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist. The album presents a five-parts (and two cadenzas) suite, composed by Soini, entitled “The Preacher”, or rather The Jazz Preacher, a most appropriate name for Aaltonen, who obviously is one of the Godfathers of modern Finnish Jazz.
The music is absolutely gorgeous, which is hardly surprising when Finnish Jazz is being played, superbly composed, arranged and performed by the orchestra and Aaltonen, who despite his age (born 1935, i.e. aged 81 at the time of the recordings) shows no signs of wear and tear whatsoever.
The music is a perfect amalgam of Jazz tradition, Finnish Folk and Classical influences and at times even pretty Free Form outings, which all fit together as perfectly as one might desire. Aaltonen’s soloing is as imaginative and inspired as his entire work over the decades, staying fully relevant and contemporary at all times.
The compositions and arrangements call for the entire palette of the Orchestra to be demonstrated in full, wonderfully emphasizing the European approach to orchestral Jazz music, which reaches beyond the American Big Band tradition, crossing over to Classical Orchestral heritage and other contemporary musical idioms.
The Sointi Jazz Orchestra clearly manages to achieve a unique language, which distinguishes it from all other European Jazz Orchestras, and it expands the boundaries of the genres with a fresh and bold approach, without necessarily breaking any basic rules.
Rasmus Soini certainly deserves respect for forming the orchestra, composing the original music it performs and establishing a unique approach, which altogether seems to be working splendidly, as their albums positively prove.
This album is a wonderful piece of music, which certainly deserves to be discovered and listened to but listeners, who might also come from beyond the strict Jazz circle, as it certainly is universally beautiful. Thanks for the music!
| | Updated: 09/05/2021Posted: 09/05/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ KOLIBRI
NOVA 26 (Barcode: 6420114021564) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
This is the fourth album by the Finnish Sointi Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2013 by composer / arranger / conductor Rasmus SoiniFind albums by this artist. The orchestra / Big Band consists of a classic four section lineup, altogether seventeen musicians, conducted by Soini. Norwegian saxophonist Marius NesetFind albums by this artist guests on the title track. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Soini.
The music is absolutely stunning, combining a plethora of diverse influences, from contemporary Classical, Folklore, cinematic music, etc. all beautifully arranged with a strong Jazz flavor, but definitely quite apart from a typical Jazz Orchestra / Big Band, in many respects, like instrumentation, the respective roles of the sections and general balance and aural ambience.
This is another extraordinary example of the European approach to orchestral Jazz, which seeks well beyond the traditional swing and riff exchanges between the sections, presenting a superb palette of musical tricks of the trade, which altogether sounds completely unique.
The album offers a clear emphasis on the orchestral performance, rather than on individual soloing, which is not a significant element of this music, except perhaps for the title track. The amazing section unisono performances and the overall delicate balance between the instruments, even during the crescendo moments, is amazing example of reserve and general intentional “cool”, which are simply breathtaking.
Overall this is definitely one of the finest European Jazz Orchestra / Big Band albums that landed on my desk in recent years, which makes me curious to hear the rest of the albums the orchestra recorded.
As usual, Finnish Jazz does not disappoint, and stands up to the brilliant achievements of its legacy, which keeps to be developed by the new generation of local musicians and composers. True orchestral Jazz fans should have a field day with this music, especially those from beyond the pons, who are rarely exposed to such unique, creative and innovative approach to the Big Band idiom. Absolutely and wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 13/03/2021Posted: 13/03/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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