Bassist Omer Avital has been one of the few artists to successfully make an amalgamation of American styled post bop jazz with the harmonies and dancing rhythms of the Middle East. This album is a rich mix with Avital leading the helm with Yonathan Avishai/p, Asaf Yuria/ts-ss, Alexander Levin/ts and Ofri Nehemya/dr. The horns create a celebratory circle on upbeat pieces such as the irresistibly frenetic “Muhammed’s Market” and the celebratory “Three Four.” The horns sound like they’re at a Sephardic party during “New Yemenite Song” and the grooves get deep on “Eser (MiddleEastern Funk)”. While Avishai’s piano swings with abandon. Avital keeps it all together and flowing with his melodic bass throughout, only taking the spotlight during “Bass Hujaz” before the band comes in for a frolicking freilach on “Ramat Gan.” Another kosher delight.
Harmonia Mundi