ZurHub: Countryside Motorways

Zurhub is an Israeli-American quintet formed in 2017 by flutist Mattan Klein and guitarist Ezequiel Hezi Jait. On Countryside Motorways, the group's impressive debut recording, they are ably supported by pianist Itay Simhovich, bassist Assaf Hakimi and drummer Dani Benedikt.

The album consists of a dozen original compositions, five by Klein, four by Jait, and three co-written by the duo. The music is invariably bright and pleasant, humming smoothly along like an auto on an exurban thoroughfare, and Zurhub has no problem with velocity or control. This particular road leads in several instances to Brazil, whose lovely countryside and gentle rhythms hold a special allure for Klein and Jait.

Klein is Zurhub's main soloist, and his flute is both graceful and perceptive, while Jait is a marvelous apprentice, providing effective counterpoint and taking eloquent solo turns. The rhythm is in good hands too, as Hakimi and Benedikt display a strong affinity for the Brazilian temper, using every tool at their disposal, and Simhovich is equally adept and stylish, especially on Fender Rhodes, which he employs on seven tracks.

The generously timed (70-minute) session opens on a high note with Jait's animated "Social Trust" and seldom dips below that level. Jait wrote two of the next three numbers ("Outdoors Week," "Forget About It"), Klein four of the last five, including the curiously named but fiercely swinging finale, "Lick Your Toad." Each of the co-leaders has a keen ear for sunny and charming melodies, as well as captivating rhythms.

Countryside Motorways is a wonderful introduction to the now eight-year-old Zurhub, a superb quintet with talent and charisma to spare. With one persuasive outing under its belt, Zurhub's next destination is almost sure to be memorable.

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