Aran, Dan: New York Family

An Israeli drummer who now leads his New York Family into bebopping jazz battle through a varying slew of styles that incorporates Latin and something altogether more modern and angular, Dan Aran is a captivating force. As all the best band leaders do he’s also surrounded himself with the talents to make his compositions shine. Initially it’s flautist Tai Kriss who you are led to believe will be the japing jostler at this album’s core, but as you traverse “Two Summers� and its rays of swaying warmth, or encounter the incessant fussing of “Hello Young Lovers� with its pop-pop of hand percussion, you realise that other than the busy drumming of Aran himself, it’s pianist Adam Birnbaum who has the firmest grip of your hand and your attention. After all, on the latter he’s a veritable whirlwind of flicks, runs and tumbles.

“Sketch For Ayala� pulls back the cover on a different slumber altogether, this easy build patient to expound its energy and quick to recede back into a smooth slide that slithers into your mind. However, when “Jaxter And The Shark� adds some chants and a metronomic cling-clang crawl, you’ll be captivated in all manner of different guises as this family outing unfolds. Along the way the bass work of Luke Sellick pushes and pulls, the oud incursions from Zafer Tawil offer keen counterpoint, while it’s Jainardo Batista who provides the occasional bout of vocal outburst.

That it all comes together in a natural setting and somehow manages to keep you onside as the variety of conjoined conjurings roll forth, is however, the main strength of Dan Aran and his New York Family. It would appear they are an extremely close knit bunch.

Track Listing
1. Five Corners
2. Jaxter and the Shark
3. Gits
4. Two Summers
5. Blues for Tsofi
6. Hello Young Lovers
7. Peace8
8. Sketch for Ayala
9. Soul Eyes
10. Like Someone in Love

Added: May 19th 2019
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Dan Aran online
Hits: 896
Language: english

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