Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Uri Gurvich: The Storyteller

Uri Gurvich: The Storyteller

By Andrey Henkin
November 11, 2009
View read count

Despite the fact that alto saxophonist Uri Gurvich is Israeli and that his debut CD is on the Tzadik label (as part of its "Radical Jewish Culture" series), The Storyteller only sounds parenthetically Jewish. Yes, some of the titles are in Hebrew (translated as "The Builders," "I Believe" and "Chant" and a type of hummus) and the melodies are either pensive or ecstatic in that particular Jewish vein to which secular listeners have become accustomed. But there is more going on in the composing of Gurvich; a firm background in jazz and studies with saxophonists like

Joe Lovano

drums
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Lovano make this album as much a jazz album as a celebration of Gurvich's cultural background.

The leader traffics in strong melodies and compelling rhythms, regardless of their motific foundation. And certainly the improvisatory methodology on display by Gurvich, pianist Leo Genovese, bassist

Peter Slavov

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Slavov and especially drummer

Francisco Mela

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Francisco Mela owe a greater debt to post-bop than pizmonim. And when the album features a second saxophone (

Chris Cheek

saxophone
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Cheek's tenor) and Genovese switches to Fender Rhodes for a pair of tunes, the aesthetic becomes highly reminiscent of early fusion experiments.

The problem with crossing over is the risk of alienating constituent groups. Let's hope neither jazz fans nor aficionados of "traditional" Jewish music write off Uri Gurvich's work as not pure enough. There is much for both camps to enjoy.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Midbar Suite; Ha'Bonim; Ani Ma'amin; Prophecy; Nigun; Joseph The Storyteller; Oasis; Masabacha.

Personnel

Uri Gurvich

saxophone, alto

Uri Gurvich: alto sax; Chris Cheek: tenor sax; Leo Genovese: piano, Fender Rhodes; Francisco Mela: drums; Peter Slavov: bass.

Album information

Title: The Storyteller | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Tzadik

PREVIOUS / NEXT

The Greatest Gift
< Previous

Endurance
Next >

Uri Gurvich Concerts

Sep 29 Mon

World Citizen Band

38 Riv
Paris, France

Sep 29 Mon

World Citizen Band

38 Riv
Paris, France

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.