Ron Magril: Inspired

This is the second album as leader from Israeli guitarist & composer Ron Magril. It follows on from his debut, Until Now (Ubuntu Music, 2022). That album featured a hard-bop quartet. Inspired finds Magril in an organ trio setting, paying tribute to his musical heroes, Wes Montgomery and Grant Green.

All eight tracks on the album are Magril originals, showcasing his distinctive voice as both a composer and electric guitarist. The inspiration behind the opener, "Playing for Wes," is unmistakable. Anchored by an unrelenting groove from fellow countrymen Yonatan Riklis on the Hammond B3 and drummer Ofri Nehemya, the track brims with energy. Magril's fleet-fingered runs are crisp and purposeful, making every note count. Riklis matches his agility with a vibrant solo of his own before the lead seamlessly shifts between guitar and organ, punctuated by Nehemya's drum interventions.

Magril pays further homage to Wes Montgomery with "Another One for Wes," crafting a thoughtfully structured, blues-toned solo that builds on the continual swing from Riklis' comps before the organist moves to his own impressive solo. The bluesy theme deepens in "Minor Blues;" Riklis and Nehemya are energized as Magril delivers a sparkling solo.

"Africa," originally featured on Magril's debut album, receives a fresh interpretation here. The trio embraces a modal approach, driven by Nehemya's rhythmic versatility as he shifts seamlessly between swing and an Afrobeat-infused 12/8 groove. Magril's clarity is a feature again; his warm classic tone and approach add a vintage charm. The trio is equally at home on the more relaxed numbers, exercising refined restraint to create an elegant swing, particularly on "Friday "with its laid-back blues-jam feel.

With its rich, soulful swing, the album sounds like it could have originated in the mid-'50s or '60s. True to its title, this session finds the trio in inspired form; their interplay simmers and entertains throughout. Magril is no mere imitator; his distinctive performance is open and expressive, with fluid, articulate runs imbued with a blues sensibility that complement the assured collective groove that runs through the session.