Hommage

Erez is an Israeli-born Canadian composer, guitarist and pianist who recently moved back to Israel. There he established his ensemble with some of the more prestigious names of the Israeli jazz and world music scene, including oboist Yoram Lachish, bassist Yorai Oron, and drummer Dani Benedikt (who played with Avishai Cohen). In this second CD, Erez pays a series of tributes to musicians that inspired him: Anouar Brahem, Omar Faruk Tekbilek (who plays on the track dedicated to him), Vicente Amigo, Egberto Gismonti and Gypsy guitarist Lulo Reinhardt.

Erez is definitely a competent composer and pianist, but when he plays the piano in the ensemble, the music is too tightly controlled, and only Oron is apparently able to cut through with personal contributions. Erez's sound on guitar is much more distinctive, and when he switches to guitar the group plays with relaxed confidence; but the music really catches fire on the solo guitar tracks, where Erez stretches out, using his impressive instrumental technique to great effect. If he could make a compact group playing with the same abandon and passion of these tracks, thered be the potential for something truly great.