In the life of a musician who is devoted to improvised music, there are always a few important aspects to consider. The first, and indeed most consequential, is the “quality of music.” Naturally, this takes on a very subjective point of view; one that is inspired by consideration, taste, education and rehearsal practices. “Quality of music” is under constant development. In the case of this cd, there are many different musical personalities culminating into one sound. This requires a mutual understanding, as well as the ability to compromise. At its most successful, each musician on this disc realizes his or her individual self, and ultimately supports the realization of the others within the creative process of improvisation.
The second aspect to consider is the "social life inside the community of improvised music.” In one sense, this is developed through traveling and getting to know different cultural backgrounds, and then subtly implementing those experiences into each musician’s own artistic expression. It can also be developed through hosting visitors, and providing for them a home away from home. In my own experience, as both a traveling musician and as a host, the initial greetings, the productive meetings that follow, and then the inevitable good-byes have been more satisfying than I could ever imagine. This cd is a product of this very sort of communal experience, with contributions from three different continents.
So, for me, what you hold in your hands is the witness of the gathering of three distinct communities that have joined forces to create a team that communicates and understands fluently—despite cultural differences. Israel, the Bay Area and Hamburg: coming together to form a unity. (Klaus Janek, for Yclept BPA 014, April 5, 2009)
credits
released March 11, 2013
Birgit Ulher, trumpet, radio, mutes, speaker; Ariel Shibolet, soprano saxophone; Adi Snir, tenor and soprano saxophone; Roni Brenner, guitar; Michel Mayer, guitar; Damon Smith, double bass, laptop; Ofer Bymel, drums.
Recorded on 12 March 2008 at HaTeiva, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel.
Front cover art (reproduced above) by Daniel Healey; graphic design by Alan Anzalone.