Avital, Omer
Zamzama Records, 2020, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 26.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 80
O’s Notes: When bassist and composer Omer Avital plays, it’s with power, precision and high spirits. New York Paradox is another fine example. His quintet Qantar includes Eden Ladin (p), Asaf Yuria (t-sax, s-sax), Alexander Levin (t-sax) and Ofri Nehemya (d). All of the musicians were born in Israel and now reside in the Bed-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, adjacent to Bushwick where you can find Wilson Live, Avital’s innovative Brooklyn venue for jam sessions, meeting and recording. Qantar was born there 4 years ago and this is their sophomore release. The program was recorded live without editing to create a Mediterranean tinged, hard bop that is powerful. It ranges from the fierce opener “Shabazi” to the relaxed “It’s All Good”. Indeed it is!
Publicist: Red Cat Publicity