Record Reviews

TALAT ~ THE GROWL TZADIK 8113 (Barcode: 702397811329) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Klezmer / Hasidic music and Jazz have a lot in common, at times being almost undistinguishable. Although based on quite different musical foundations (Eastern European folk motifs vs. the blues), both these musical genres are mainly about improvisation, the most significant characteristic that sets them apart from most other types of music. The attempts to merge these two genres have been undertaken by many musicians active in both genres with various degrees of success. John ZornFind albums by this artist’s label TzadikFind albums on this label (which released this album) is the home label to some of these musicians, as is another Jewish owned NY label called Knitting FactoryFind albums on this label. Although I’m pretty familiar with most of this stuff, hearing this album really knocked me out completely. Never before have I heard such a harmonious and clever interchange of these two genres, almost painfully brilliant. TalatFind albums by this artist is a NY based quintet led by Israeli composer / pianist Alon NechushtanFind albums by this artist, who composed and arranged all the music on this album. His cahoots are four young players (Marc MommaasFind albums by this artist – saxophones, Matt ShulmanFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Matt PavolkaFind albums by this artist – bass and Jordan PersonFind albums by this artist – drums) with exceptional abilities and technique. The music cleverly moves between the Klezmer-like melodies and the jazz-like improvisations with such ease and elegance that the transition seems to be perfectly natural and smooth. The arrangements are devilishly clever and intricate, but easy on the ear, so this wonderful music should please even the less experienced listeners who had little experience with contemporary improvised music. Alon’s incredible gift to make complex music sound easy is one that many fellow musicians should envy, as it is rare and precious. This is a rare gem and an essential example of music transcending the limitations of what is considered humanly possible. A must!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend