Home » Jazz News » Recording

51

Brooklyn-based Ben Azar showcases guitar prowess on new CD

Source:

Sign in to view read count
The music of Brooklyn, NY-based Ben Azar is alive. It breathes, moves, and even changes shape. These are guitar instrumentals that never sit still and because of that his latest album, Organized Memories, doesn't lose its freshness even after repeated spins. It always reveals something new with each listen.

The opening title track immediately establishes Azar's distinct style. Azar introduces the song with a velvety soft groove, his nylon string guitar creating a plush blanket of melody. As Azar starts to really jam so does Ziv Ravitz, whose tumbling drums strike with authority. It's an electrifying transition. At over seven minutes in length, it never loses our attention because Azar knows how to layer a song with the most compelling of ingredients. He doesn't succumb to the self-gratifying repetitiveness that have damaged numerous instrumental pieces in the past.

It's surprising how Azar is able to showcase his guitar prowess while still allowing his bandmates their own moments to shine; that doesn't happen too often in this field and reveals the importance he places on the overall quality of the songs. On “The Deduced," Azar and saxophonist Nir Naaman seem to be on equal footing even. Azar's blistering riffs lock into a boisterous duel with the heavy sigh of Naaman's sax. Ravitz's pummeling drum work on “Bombs" personifies the fury and thunder promised by its name. Nevertheless, whenever Azar takes the center of the stage, there is no wasted minute. His gorgeously weaved acoustic performance on Miles Davis' “Blue in Green" is one for the ages.

Visit Website | Purchase

Comments

Tags

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.