Through his newest release with Razdaz Recordz, “Carving”, genre crossing musician and composer Amos Hoffman’s makes his musical statement in two languages – guitar and oud. From the up tempo, almost danceable oud featured on “Brown Sugar”, to the scat influenced guitar on “Ras”, the tracks on “Carving” weave between instruments and moods, continuing to explore the boundaries of Jazz. Hoffman describes his music on his album as “a bunch of different parts that come together in a way that feels right to me”.
“Carving” is a very personal album, inspired by relationships with friends and family. One of the tracks is named after his wife, and three after friends. “Ras”, for example, is named after Avishai Cohen, whose personal and professional relationships with Amos span over 20 years. The title and cover art are also close to Hoffman’s heart. His Father, Moshe, was a renowned artist in Israel, and Hoffman credits him with developing his creativity and love of music.
Hoffman trusts his musicians and gives them the freedom to find their own voices within the compositions to keep their artistic bond strong. Although he is probably best known for bringing a Jazz sensibility to Middle Eastern music, here he has done the opposite, taking the oud toward a more funky, Western place, in which the electric guitar takes on a greater role in relation to his previous works. Influences of pop, rock, blues and even flamenco flavors can be heard. However, when he picks up the oud, the sound becomes more personal, as it is the instrument with which he grew and developed as an artist.
Accompanying Hoffman on “Carving” Ilan Salem (flute) Ilan Katchka (percussion) Gilad Abro (bass) and Amir Bresler (drums). It also features guest appearances by his friends Avishai Cohen, whom he has been associated with for 20 years, as well as Itamar Doari (percussion) and Shai Maestro (piano).
This fresh and timeless record is a real success, an almost perfect tape-con of an early summer.
Jazz, Blues & Co
This album is … a sample of the best jazz that is made in Israel.
Distrito Jazz
