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MARBIN

Israeli Jazz

(2018 – Marbin Music – USA)

http://www.marbinmusic.com/

Great new fusion release from band presently based in Chicago. In 2007, Marbin was founded by saxophonist Danny Markovitch and guitarist Dani Rabin, who were at the time, living in Israel (where they were born). As fate would have it, they joined a band founded by Paul Wertico (well known as a member of Pat Metheny’s group). The result of this was a recording with Steve Rodby (bassist also a former member of Pat Metheny group) called ‘Breaking the Cycle’ ,on Leonardo’s MoonJune label in 2011. A few releases later (most all on MoonJune) Marbin have a fine all instrumental jazz fusion recording here called ‘Israeli Jazz’ (2018), featuring members Dani Rabin (guitar), Danny Markovitch (sax), Blake Jiracek (drums), and Jon Nadel (bass). The same lineup was used on their ‘Goatman and the House of the Dead’ (2016).

Starting off with a solid happy drum beat, quickly leading to a traditional Jewish sax solo, ‘Israeli Jazz’ reveals precisely what this project is all about. Adding an immaculate lead guitar solo, ‘The Old Ways’ (track 1) has undeniable charm and gusto. Marbin have always had the talent to be playful, daring, acrobatic, and sentimental all in one song. They do not disappoint here.

Dani Rabin brings home a great deal of fiery and precise guitar work that constantly reminds one of Allan Holdsworth, with a touch of Eddie Van Halen. The hybrid of combining traditional Jewish bars and creative jazz fusion is quite unique and highly listenable. First time audiences will be impressed. Longtime fans will be thrilled. All four musicians are at the top of their game. All compositions are extended cuts and develop wonderfully. Nothing is wasted. ‘Arkansas Jumper’ (track 3) is a butt kicker, with everything a jazz fusion lover could want (even some Dixie Dregs style tour de force). That song is about as far off the hybrid as they go. A slow bluesy tune such as ‘Pirate Punch’ (track 5) gives balance of moods to the project, however, the emotional and forceful feel remains at fever pitch throughout the seven songs.

Be prepared to enjoy plenty of tight twists, spirited changes, and a creative mind frame that is nonstop. The title track ‘Israeli Jazz’ ends the recording and it is a doozie. A hot driving clinically clean performed gem, with all the stops pulled out. On this release, the formula is superb. Not a dull second on the disc. First rate all the way.

Reviewed by Lee Henderson  9 – 14 – 2018

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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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