UDI SHLOMO — You & Me (review)

Album · 2023 · Fusion

4/5 · 2023-06-15
Carmel

Udi Shlomo's "You & Me" is a musical odyssey that paints a kaleidoscopic tableau of 'World Jazz.' Now, this isn't just your average run-of-the-mill jazz album; oh no, this is a globetrotting journey guided by the beats of a seasoned raconteur. Our talent, Udi Shlomo, a drummer and composer hailing from the rich cultural crossroads of Kibbutz Nahshon, Israel, is our guide on this auditory expedition. Shlomo, who has soaked up experiences from Iraq to Poland, from the old Czechoslovakia to his current home in Norway, weaves these diverse threads into a vibrant tapestry of music.

Shlomo isn't going solo on this journey. He's got a tight-knit ensemble to back him up - Omri Abramov on the sax, Oscar Andreas Haug hitting those high notes on the trumpet, Moshe Elmakias tickling the ivories, and Andreas Svabø anchoring it all on the double bass. And just when you think you've got a handle on this sonic journey, in come the guest artists Eirik Hegdal and Kyrre Laastad, adding their unique touches on clarinet, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and tambourine. So sit back, tune in, and prepare for a unique exploration of World Jazz as we dive into "You & Me."

Right off the bat, "It's Alright Now" blossoms from a humble seed of a bass and piano figure into a vibrant, medium swing number. Its buoyancy is infectious, and the modern solos from Elmakias on the piano and Abramov on the saxophone add a delightful dash of contemporary flavor. You'll find yourself tapping your foot, swept up in the rhythm.

Next, we drift over to "Across the Ocean." This track is a sea of serenity, with a beautiful flowing melody riding atop syncopated rhythms. The wide-open spaces in the horn line become a playground for Shlomo, whose drumming is nimble yet resonant, filling the gaps with the precision of a master painter.

Bringing a taste of tranquility is "Country Song." This track starts like a quiet morning, serene yet stirring, but builds to a joyful Sunday adventure. It pulls in elements of the Middle East in its scale and rhythmic textures, hinting at Shlomo's roots and the diverse influences that shape his music.

Then, we arrive at "Dror Yikra." This traditional Jewish hymn, typically sung during Sabbath meals, is reimagined in a thrilling fusion of modern jazz and world music. Shlomo's drumming is the star of the show here – powerful and propulsive, it infuses the song with an energy that's nothing short of electrifying.

Finally, the title track, "You & Me," unfurls before us. It opens with an arching figure from Svabø on the double bass, which seamlessly blossoms into a melody played on the bass clarinet by guest artist Laastad. The song form flows like a river, effortlessly merging elements of the East and West, all styled with jazz tonal colors that paint a picture of unity in diversity. It's a fitting conclusion to an album that is, at its heart, a celebration of the beautiful world jazz mosaic.

In conclusion, Shlomo's "You & Me" is a journey across borders and through time, celebrating diversity and unity through the transformative power of music. With his eclectic background and unique blend of influences, Shlomo masterfully navigates the spectrum of moods and rhythms in each track, showcasing his individuality as a drummer and his remarkable ability to bring artists together in seamless harmony through his compositions.

The album's flow is a compelling tale of Shlomo's journey, deeply ingrained with the stories, memories, and images of his upbringing and experiences. The rich tapestry of geographies and cultures, seamlessly melded into a genre Shlomo dubs "World Jazz," makes this album stand out in the ever-evolving sounds of fusion and world jazz.

Each song offers a unique auditory glimpse into Shlomo's world, presenting compositions that encapsulate his artistic evolution. From the buoyant swing of "It's Alright Now" to the serene tranquility of "Country Song" and the electrifying rendition of "Dror Yikra" to the unity in diversity painted in "You & Me," every track is a chapter in a story that's compelling and beautifully told.

"You & Me" is a breath of fresh air, reminding us of the power of music to transcend borders, bring people together, and tell stories that are universal in their appeal. It's a musical adventure that will find a place in every jazz lover's collection. Listen to it, let it touch your soul, and you'll find yourself saying, "It's Alright Now."