November 2008

Alon Yavnai
Travel Notes
Obliqsound Inc

By Bill Milkowski

Israeli pianist Alon Yavnai strikes an intimate accord with bassist Omer Avital and percussionist Jamey Haddad on rhythmically charged numbers like “Yoman,” “Ilha B’nit” and “Bayit,” which bear the influence of Cape Verde, Peru and Brazil. On solo piano pieces like the plaintive “Shir Ahava Tari,” the rhapsodic “Numi Numi” and the classically influenced “Yakinton,” Yavnai demonstrates a sensitive touch and an uncommonly lyrical, ECM-ish sensibility. He also flaunts formidable chops on the turbulent title track, which has Avital switching to oud.