If I recall correctly, Slava Ganelin and his Ganelin Trio were my first foray into Russian free improvisation. He’s still kicking, and apparently living in Israel these days. This album was recorded in 1982 by the legendary Leo Feigin of Leo Records, and it sounds wonderfully inventive.
Israel
Krivitsky – Criminal Elements
This is the latest album by Israeli artist Krivitsky, whom we reviewed in November 2023. His latest release is deep nu-jazz with an Italian krimi soundtrack vibe that reminds me of Calibro 35. Deep, funky, and cold.
Metzulot – Metzulot
Black metal and elegant aren’t words one normally finds paired together, but our friends Metzulot show that you can cloak ethereal vocals in black metal chain mail.
Sababa 5 & Anton – Forgive – Прости
From Batov Records’ Bandcamp site: “Sababa 5 are back once again on our exclusive Middle Eastern Grooves series with another double-sided 7” titled ‘Forgive – Прости (Prosti)’: a funky release featuring the voice and lyrics of Anton Koliadko. ‘Forgive’ opens with a simple, vintage-sounding, syncopated hook led by the bass, Continue Reading
Eyriahrk Nunshkar – Undefined & Rich
We have a new single track from the maidens of blackgaze. From the Eyriahrk Nunshkar Bandcamp site: “This is the first piece of a new concept and new material I am currently working on. The fact that the creative process is ongoing and fluid, leaving me uncertain about whether it Continue Reading
Ya’ala Ensemble (אנסמבל יעלה) – Ya’ala (יעלה)
The Ya’ala Ensemble specializes in music from Turkey and Persia, blending it with Jewish liturgical sources and poetry. It has a flavor that is at once ancient and modern.
Romano – Güle Güle
Batov Records continues to produce funky disco goodness from Israel. From their Bandcamp site: “Romano, synthesizer wizard unveils his debut solo album, ‘Güle Güle’, for Batov Records. A cinematic journey through groove, nostalgia, and diverse cultural soundscapes, the album showcases Romano’s rich musical heritage and cutting-edge creativity, building a unique Continue Reading
Ketoret – Delusions
Ketoret are out of Israel and produce a sludge-laden doom. This release has only one track, but it’s a slow, lava-like 10 minutes of heavy rock.
Mulatu Astatke & Hoodna Orchestra – Tension
From Mulatu Astatke’s own Bandcamp site: “Formed in 2012 on the south side of Tel Aviv, the 12 member Hoodna Orchestra is a collective of musicians and composers who initially bonded over a shared love of Afrobeat. They have gone on to incorporate psychedelic rock, hard funk and soul, jazz, Continue Reading
Agnivolok + Necromishka – Animal God (Звериный бог)
Agnivolok and Necromishka are two Israeli neofolk bands who remind me not only of obvious modern bands like Death in June, but have a sound similar to the legendary American ur-neofolk band Changes. Stunning, mellow, folksy and dark.