Jamie Saft - A Bag of Shells

Another tzadik release from 2010 is Jamie Saft's "A Bag of Shells". Saft is a multi-instrumentalist and producer, playing everything from Guitar and Bass to organ in John Zorn's "Electric Masada" and remixing David Gould's "Adonai & I" album. Quite a prolific guy. "A Bag of Shells" is a collection of Saft's soundtrack work, made for four documentaries. From "Murderball" to "God grew tired of us" these documentaries vary greatly in content and so does the music accompanying them.

The variety of genres represented here is quite insane. The "Murderball" theme is pounding groove metal, there are several short piano pieces, acoustic guitar ballads, a lot of middle eastern folk influenced pieces, even reggae and blues songs (both with a organ as lead instrument) and a jazz trio of piano, saxophone and contrabass are featured on this album.

With the exception of "Murderball" and "Brooklyn Exile (Theme)" all songs can be described as "easy listening" music. That said the musicianship here is great and it's not boring in any way. Still it's an album nearly without any edges.

What this album delivers is an overview over Jamie Saft's variety as a composer and a musician. Though it's not challenging the mixed order of the songs still gives the album a nice dynamic flow. Also worth noting are the guest spots. Highlights include Cyro Baptista, Erik Friedlander  (accompanying Saft's piano on the beautiful, albeit short "Piano for the Masses" with his beautiful cello phrasing) and Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz from Rashanim. You won't hear any virtuoso statements here, these guys just deliver one thing:
Beautiful and fully enjoyable music.

"A Bag of Shells" is recommend for two kinds of listeners. The first being new to Jamie Saft's work and curious to get an overview over his output. The other being fans of his work and curious to hear new of his own compositions.

This record is mellow and soft, especially compared to his other records on Tzadik Records. Both "Breadcrumb Sins" and "Sovlanut" found him experimenting with electronic and noise music elements and combining these with middle-eastern vibes and jazz. "Black Shabbis" was a mixture of doom metal and middle-eastern folk music.

If you’re looking for experimentation and a healthy dose of craziness you'll be disappointed. (Except for "Brooklyn Exile (Theme)" which features an all out acoustic death metal piano blast beat fest) If you're comfortable with an album of just enjoyable tunes which work as great background music but still have enough musical substance to stand on their own, this is a record for you. Still this is a collection of some of Saft's nuances and I urge you to also experience this musician on his other records, playing out his aesthetics and strenghts on the full length of an concept album like "Sovlanut" or "Black Shabbis".

Cd time: 49:46
Personnel:
Cyro Baptista: Percussion
Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz: Oud
Erik Friedlander: Cello
Bobby Previte: Drums
Jamie Saft: Fender Rhodes, Synthesizers, Guitars, Bass, Organs, Mellotron, Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Piano, Drums, Percussion, Programming
Vin Cin: Bass
Bill McHenry: Saxophone
Dmitriy Shnaydman: Drums
Yacouba Sissoko: Kora

Standout tracks:
My Biggest Fear 4:27
Social Security 0:50
Piano for the Masses 1:10
Job Corps 1:27
Dezert Blues 4:25

Links:
Jamie Saft on:
last.fm
myspace
official website
on Tzadik Records

Rashanim - The Gathering

2009 saw the release of this impressive all acoustic record from Rashanim. The usual brand of “instrumental-world-music-surf-folk-klezmer-rock” they usually play isn’t heavily distorted anyway. Still this set of unplugged pieces reaches an intensity not found on their previous recordings. (That said, these also range from good to excellent but don't seem as focussed)

Stylistically Rashanim take you from the fast flamenco vibe of the opening track “Judges” to acoustic rock interludes (for example the 1:57 long “Elijah’s Chariot”), guitar ballads and the slow motion “doom” country of Deborah. What unifies all of these songs is a sparse use of motifs. One or two per song, some subtle soloing here and there and you get a record focused on creating a dense atmosphere instead of virtuosic but meaningless wanking. Repetition and variation of themes is a concept you’ll find in every song on this record on a level so high, it never gets boring or actually feels repetitive. 

There’s not a single guest spot on this album. Nevertheless you’ll hear a lot more than just guitar, bass and drums. Bandleader Jon Madof occasionally pulls out a banjo and drummer Mathias Kunzli adds cowbells, plays his drum set a few times with brushes and even plays Jaw Harp. But the versatility of Shanir Blumenkranz shines even more on this record. Playing all kinds of stringed instruments (Acoustic Bass Guitar, Bass Banjo, Tiple and Chonguri) isn’t enough. He even pulls out a Glockenspiel and a Melodica. Not to mention that all 3 bandmembers create a haunting flair with beautiful chanted melodies on the closing tracks Jeremiah and Joshua. 

Even though moods and styles vary the whole albums feels very homogenous. Probably due to the small number of musicians involved. Probably due to Jon  Madof’s skills as a composer. I’d say both factors make for the stunning result. There’s a huge sense of discipline and effective use of sound present on this album. This sometimes reminds me (positively) of Ennio Morricone’s work. That said Rashanim definetly have a sound of their own that sounds very honest and passionate.

 Every song seems to be a short story told to you while sitting near a campfire. (The album artwork really suits the music here!) Mythical images will occur in your mind. Images of nature and a clear night sky. Remembering things you’ve longed for since a long time ago.  A definite amount of melancholy is contained in these melodies and performances. But after all stories are told “Joshua”s finale with those haunting chants will assure you, it’s sweet melancholy. And you’ll most likely press repeat to re-experience that journey.

Cd time: 47:54

Personnel:
Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz: Acoutic Bass Guitar, Bass Banjo, Glockenspiel, Melodica, Tiple, Chonguri, Vocals
Mathias Kunzli: Drums, Percussion, Jaw Harp, Whistling, Vocals
Jon Madof: Guitars, Banjo, Vocals

Standout tracks:

Kings 5:44

Ezekiel 3:50

Amos 5:01

Jeremiah 4:27

Joshua 5:28

Links:

Rashanim:

on last.fm

official website

on Tzadik Records

Myspace Page