Ari Erev
"Flow"
Self-released
Anyone who has paid attention to the jazz scene over the past several decades knows that the great American art form has spread around the world, and not just in terms of listening. Israel has an active jazz scene as evidenced by all of the excellent players who make their way to New York before launching their careers.
Ari Erev, a pianist, composer, and arranger with a lyrical touch reminiscent of Bill Evans, has remained in Israel. His lush new album, "Flow," was recorded in Tel Aviv with top Israeli musicians: Yuval Cohen, soprano sax; Eli Magen, double bass; Ron Almog, drums; and Gilad Dobrecky, percussion.
But the global village aspect of the music on "Flow" goes beyond North American jazz and the Israeli scene. The album was inspired by the work of Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and the music of Latin America, by way of Africa in terms of the rhythms. Cohen solos beautifully on Erev's tunes with titles like "Treasures in Havana" and "Latin Currents." Erev solos gorgeously on every tune, including "Domingo," by Brazilian composer Debora Gurgel, and Fred Hersch's "Endless Stars."
