Ari Erev: Close to Home

Pianist and composer Ari Erev here delivers an intimate musical portrait containing a selection of light jazz music intended to convey a warm personal story. As the Israeli pianist states, the album "tells my story of family members, close friends and familiar places, to whom I relate and feel deep emotions towards." Along with eight original compositions, Erev adds reimagined songs by Paul Simon, Keith Jarrett and fellow Israeli artist Efraim Shamir. He also touches on bossa nova with the inclusion of music from Brazilian pianist Debora Gurel and the great Antonio Carlos Jobim.

A world-class musician comfortable performing in trio, big band and other formats, based in Israel, Erev had no difficulty in forming a sextet band of brothers—all world class musicians themselves—to accompany him on this personal musical journey. Except for internationally acclaimed drummer Gasper Bertoncelj, who is Slovenian, the rest are all Israeli. Soprano saxophonist Yuval Cohen, bassist Assaf Hakimi, percussionist Gilad Dobrecky and New York-based flautist Hadar Noiberg roundout the cast of players.

One will note a classical bent on some of the tracks, perhaps due to the leader's classically trained background, but this is not the prominent theme of the album. The story begins with the "Israeli Story," a classically tinged eight-minute plus statement that features the flute in a beautiful melodic march punctuated by delightful piano forays. Saxophonist Cohen enters the scene on the light "Playground," which is followed by the down-tempo "Childhood Scene." "Para Sempre" (Forever) is the first Brazilian-styled piece by Gurel with Jobim's standard "Olha Maria" providing the other Latin item.

Part of the Erev's inner story is his tribute to daughter Tal on the gentle "Afar," which happens to provide one of the finest melodies of the set. Offering a marvelous arrangement of the Jarrett standard "So Tender," the music reflects the same sentiment coming off as a wonderful tender moment. The gentle sounds continue on the percussive and warm "Saturday's Coffee" with other notable tunes to sample including "Falling in Place," "Old Friends" and Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" among others.

If only all stories told could be so enthralling to hear as the one Erev has crafted on Close to Home. But then again, not all stories are about family, friendship and the good side of life.