Sharon Mansur: Trigger

Israeli keyboard player Sharon Mansur carries her many influences into Trigger, her debut album on the ACT label. Those influences include classical piano, heavy metal, progressive rock, electronica and Middle Eastern traditions, all fused with improvisational flair to create an intriguing jazz hybrid.

It is her classical background and progressive rock influences that make the strongest impression and underpin the eight self-penned tracks. Her dramatic and intense piano and keyboard work is supported by her trio, made up of drummer David Sirkis and bassist David Michaeli.

Opening track, "Outside In," immediately brings the drama with Mansur's driving, classically connected piano phrases leading to swirling, Middle Eastern-influenced electronic keyboards. Michaeli adds the jazz feeling with his bass solo before Mansur returns. The trio shows the intensity of their interplay on "Tunnel Maze," which opens with piano and arco bass. As their interplay heats up, Sirkis and Michaeli gain propulsive pace, adding to the drama as the track closes. The trio is at their most cinematic on "If I Can." Mansur begins gently on piano, building and adding keyboard surges, making this one of the standout tracks.

Navigating such an array of influences and musical styles takes considerable skill, and Mansur demonstrates acumen in melding these elements into a cohesive statement. This ambitious approach does not always achieve seamless integration, as when the flowing, classically inflected piano of "February" is interrupted by a progressive rock section. The results are more successful elsewhere. The excellent title track weaves lyrical piano melodies, improvisation and electronic textures as they converge in a powerful surge toward a climactic crescendo.

"Change Your Narrative" plunges immediately into progressive rock territory with a keyboard introduction that may bring the work of Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman to mind before blossoming into a swirling Middle Eastern-influenced melody. "From the OV" brings a counterbalance and a soothing balm to the intensity to close this hard-driving album.

The album's rich sonic tapestry marks Mansur out as a singular voice; it offers consistent rewards, revealing more from the dense soundscape with each listen. Mansur possesses an uncompromising vision that her trio translates with precision. She is not one to follow the herd; instead, she follows her instincts, producing a taut, theatrical soundscape that is restless, provocative and ultimately entertaining.

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