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Alon Farber Hagiga: Reflecting on Freedom
ByFarber's earnest "Reflecting on Freedom," inspired by saxophonist Eddie Harris's "Freedom Jazz Dance," follows the handsome opening number, trombonist Oded Meir's free-spirited "Israeli Song." Meir also wrote another of the album's highlights, the gently swaying "Theme for Michal," which is reminiscent of Burt Bacharach's superlative score for the classic western film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Speaking of influences, the spirit of Antonio Carlos Jobim is very much alive on Matt Caspi's "You'll See the Way," the last of a trio of vocals by Zak-Levi (the others are "Israeli Song" and "Theme for Michal"). Percussionist Iwryn lends substance on that number, as he does on the album's first three selections and the buoyant Middle Eastern folk song, "Hammouda."
Besides arranging "Hammouda," Farber composed "Ima" ("mother," dedicated to Farber's mother who passed away in 2019), the ardently swinging "Fresh Start," introspective "More Monkeys, Please" and funk-based finale, "Farbalak." Farber solos perceptively on alto and soprano sax, as do Yehonatan Cohen on tenor and flute, trombonist Meir and pianist Eden Giat. Bassist Assaf Hakimi and drummer Roy Oliel round out Hagiga's capable rhythm section. A scrapbook of stylish universal music with a delightful Israeli accent.
Track Listing
Israeli Song; Reflecting on Freedom & Freedom Jazz Dance; Theme for Michal; Ima; Fresh Start; More Monkeys, Please; You'll See the Way; Hammouda; Farbalak.
Personnel
Alon Farber
saxophoneYehonatan Cohen
saxophoneOded Meir
tromboneEden Giat
pianoAssaf Hakimi
bassRoy Oliel
drumsSarai Zak-Levi
vocalsRony Iwryn
percussionAlbum information
Title: Reflecting on Freedom | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Origin Records
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