REVIEWS
“Rafi Malkiel is an Israeli trombonist and euphonium player with a brightly confident…” NY Times 08-17-07
“We’re having too much fun swaying along to dreamy orchestrations and anticipating what may happen next in this world trombonist Rafi Malkiel has conjured out of thin air and musical prowess to worry about such things… Just lie on the sofa and pretend you’re in a hammock swaying in an island breeze or dancing under a star-punctured sky.”
Laurell Gross. All About Jazz, August 2007
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“Some of the band’s excellent musicians made it happen - including … the trombonist Rafi Malkiel, who soloed with loud confidence”
By BEN RATLIFF, May 17, 2007. New York Times
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“My Island from trombonist Rafi Malkiel came as quite a surprise for me. There's a deep knowledge of both jazz and Latin music present in the recording. Many of the songs bring a rich sense of Caribbean tradition to the recording without sounding too folk or dance tinged. Lots of great playing from Malkiel and Anat Cohen on clarinet as well.”
Chip Boaz. The Latin Jazz Corner
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“…A versatile ensemble with unique instrumentation and a far-ranging repertoire that at its base never strays too far away from the Latin-related rhythms of Cuba and South America that ultimately serve as the binding element of his fresh group concept that plays music as danceable as it is listenable…[a] fantastic debut CD that will surely be a forerunner for Best Latin Jazz release come the end of 2007… it offers so much more than what is customarily expected from this generic category label.”
All About Jazz NY
“Israeli trombonist-arranger Rafi Malkiel stops in to display the remarkable mix of charts on his new self-produced disc, My Island. They’re split between native sounds (son, bolero, danzon) and early jazz classics such as “Black and Tan Fantasy””, “Stardust” and “Nature Boy”. Saxit Anat Cohen is among the locals Malkiel has enlisted to fill out his arrangements”
Time Out New York 8/16/07
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“Rafi Malkiel is an Israeli trombonist and euphonium player with a brightly confident new Latin jazz album, “My Island,” available at rafi-malkiel.com. He draws from it next week with a group that includes the clarinetist Anat Cohen, the vocalist and percussionist Abraham Rodriguez and the drummer Henry Cole.”
NY Times 08-17-07
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review by Chip Boaz - for www.vinilemania.net
A Latin Jazz artist faces many important choices when shaping the character of their debut album. First time leaders either write original music or interpret standards - their choices and the resultant musical expressions display either wisely chosen risks or lack of judgment. Artists invite different guest artists to perform, adding a sense of cohesion or confusion to the album’s overall sound. An artist musical direction deserves careful consideration; the recording represents their musical identity, one that will follow their name. Trombonist and euphonium player Rafi Malkiel offers a broad range of Latin traditions and jazz ideals on his debut as a leader, My Island.
Creative Arrangement of Standards
Malkiel arranges several standards, incorporating both jazz tradition and cultural authenticity. Malkiel’s euphonium slyly sings the melody on “Nature Boy” over a Columbian porro rhythm, trading phrases with clarinetist Anat Cohen. The song soon bursts into a Cumbia rhythm, making way for a melodically inventive solo from Cohen and intensively searching improvisation from tenor saxophonist Chris Karlic. Malkiel’s trombone growls through a wah wah mute on the melody to Ellington’s “Black and Tan Fantasy,” played as a New Orleans style dirge. The improvisational interplay between Malkiel, trumpet player Steve Gluzband, and tuba player Howard Johnson bring an authentic New Orleans feel and aesthetic to the song. Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust” adopts an elegant beauty as a danzón, both through Malkiel and bassoon player Gili Sharett’s sensitive reading of the melody and the intricate arrangement. Pianist Jack Glottman and flautist Itai Kriss both deliver traditional statements until the song moves into a Cha Cha Cha for lyrical solos from Malkiel and Karlic. Malkiel and his group demonstrate a clear jazz foundation on these tunes, and their creative arranging brings the music a unique personality.
Original Compositions and Inspiring Improvisational Settings
Several original pieces showcase Malkiel’s mastery over harmonic ideas and Latin rhythmic structures. An improvised exchange between Malkiel, Gluzband, and percussionist Anthony Carrillo slowly segues into an up-tempo bomba rhythm on “Blue Bomba.” Karlic plays a bebop-flavored solo through the blues changes, followed by a note intensive improvisation from Kriss. Bassist Andy Gonzalez performs a rhythmically intricate statement, until Carrillo investigates every aspect of the bomba rhythm. The musicians find ample room for improvisation on “Gozambique,” an open descarga over a mozambique rhythm. Malkiel demands attention through his percussively strong sound, and Glottman builds his solo into an exciting climax. The syncopation throughout Gonzalez’s solo brings a quiet intensity to the piece, only to be awoken into an uproar by Carrillo. Malkiel and Cohen exchange melodic ideas over a Brazilian rhythm on the opening to “Choro for Anat.” Cohen aggressively drives sequences into the upper register of her instrument, while bassist Dave Hertzberg finds a balance between melodic and rhythmic ideas. Malkiel’s writing combines interesting jazz ideas with rhythmic traditions and creates inspiring settings for improvisation.
Grounded in Caribbean Culture
Malkiel invokes traditional Caribbean song on other tracks, utilizing vocalists and sparse instrumentation. A quasi-symphonic introduction gives way to a steady series of montunos from Glottman and tresero Chacho Schartz on “Guajira con Trombón.” Malkiel improvises extensively here, followed by an especially stirring statement from Gluzband. Schartz’s tres solo brings an authentic sound and phrasing to the song, complemented by Carrillo’s intensive percussion feature. Malkiel delicately shapes the melody on the bolero “Los Tres Juanes,” followed by Abraham Rodriguez’s conventional Cuban vocal. The passion and longing in Rodriguez’s voice, accompanied by the sparse texture, provide a sentimental atmosphere, completely honest and sincere. The familiar montuno, accompanied by Malkiel’s tipico phrasing on “Coballende” recalls early son recordings. Rodriguez proves himself a strong sonero through a series of exciting pregons, while Kriss plays a rhythmically intriguing and virtuosic improvisation. These songs ground the album in Caribbean culture, establishing a connection between modern experimentation and past tradition.
Wise Artistic Choices Display Musical Maturity
Malkiel’s finely tuned musicality and creative spirit lead him to a variety of wise artistic choices that shape My Island. His reconstruction of several jazz standards marks both knowledge of jazz history and performance practice. Malkiel’s exploration of musical styles from Brazil, Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as Cuba, reflects a broad study of Caribbean and South American music. The creative application of these genres reflects Malkiel’s ability to see beyond convention and look at the connections between styles. His playing sways from rhythmically intriguing to delicately lyrical and reflective, always responding to the current musical environment. Malkiel’s choice of supporting musicians fits nicely into his overall concept, and his interaction with these musicians proves inspiring. All these elements display a musical maturity beyond first time bandleader status, laying the foundation for a successful future in the Latin Jazz world.
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“My Island from trombonist Rafi Malkiel came as quite a surprise for me. There's a deep knowledge of both jazz and Latin music present in the recording. Many of the songs bring a rich sense of Caribbean tradition to the recording without sounding too folk or dance tinged. Lots of great playing from Malkiel and Anat Cohen on clarinet as well.”
Chip Boaz. The Latin Jazz Corner
-“Israeli trombonist-arranger Rafi Malkiel stops in to display the remarkable mix of charts on his new self-produced disc, My Island. They’re split between native sounds (son, bolero, danzon) and early jazz classics such as “Black and Tan Fantasy””, “Stardust” and “Nature Boy”. Saxit Anat Cohen is among the locals Malkiel has enlisted to fill out his arrangements”
Time Out New York 8/16/07
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“Lindner and Avital have been especially prolific of late. Just out on Anzic Records is Live at the Jazz Gallery by Lindner’s Big Band; it was recorded in November of 2005 and includes Avital, Cohen, her trumpet-playing brother Avishai, Puerto Rican saxophonist Miguel Zenon, and trombonist Rafi Malkiel, another Israeli”
“Rafi Malkiel leads a versatile ensemble with unique instrumentation (trombone/euphonium with bassoon, clarinet, tenor sax, a non-doubling flute player - a rarity in itself, two percussionists, piano, acoustic bass, and drums) with a far-ranging repertoire that at its base never strays too far away from the Latin-related rhythms of Cuba and South America that ultimately serve as the binding element to his fresh group concept that plays music as danceable as it is listenable. I'm glad I finally had a chance to sit down and listen to this new fantastic debut CD which will surely be a forerunner for Best Latin Jazz release come the end of this year, even though it offers so much more than what is customarily expected from this generic category label. And hearing the band live reveals even more...Thanks so much for the music and for releasing this unique CD that already sticks out amongst the masses.“
Laurence Donohue-Greene
Managing Editor, All About Jazz-New York 4/6/07
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”Nineteen musicians are heard on Rafi's impressive debut album, My Island, but his trombone is the standout voice. Israeli by birth, he's played Broadway shows, film soundtracks, overseas festivals and a bunch of concerts around town. His primary interest these days lies in Latin sounds. Catch him all over town this month.”
Paul Blair, Hot House Magazine, Featured Artists April 2007 Issue
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“The Euphonium of Rafi Malkiel bridges the realms of melody and rhythm effectively…”
Edward Kane, www.Jazzreview.com 2006, CD review: Pablo Mayor, Floklore Urbano Baile
“…blasting bombardino solos by Refael Malkiel”
Rock Paper Scissors, La Cumbiamba Eneye, Matrioneta CD Review , Chonta Records
11.22.2006
“The superb Rafi Malkiel Quintet’s program of music by Jewish American composers…”
Masha Leon, The Jewish Daily Forward, 1.14.2005
“On behalf of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, I extend our warmest appreciation for your outstanding concert here. Our audience was delighted by your performance and absolutely raved about the concert.”
Janet W. Solinger, Vice President, Public Programs, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington DC 12.4.2004
“…trombonist Rafi Malkiel soloing heatedly.”
Performance review of Jason Lindner’s Big Band 10th anniversary celebration
at the Jazz Standard from 11.3.2005
All about Jazz Dec 2005
“…el virtuoso judio del bombardino Rafi Malkiel…” (The Jewish bombardino virtuoso Rafi Malkiel)
Gary Dominguez www.laconga.org, Folklore Urbano, Dance Chonta Records
“I am convinced Rafi Malkiel is one of the best euphonium players in the world in the area of Latin music.”
Toto La Momposina 10.15.2004, Grammy Nominee 2002
http://www.jazzis.com/ 9.19.2006
“Rafi Malkiel (who plays some great solos)…”
Dave Hucker, "Hey,
“…extremely talented trombonists …Rafi Malkiel…”
Mr. Music" column, The Beat magazine, Volume 19, 11.3.2000
“Jerusalem trombone player part of effort to reinvigorate the arts education at P.S.57...”
Article: Blowing into east Harlem, The Jewish Week 5.27.2005 Gabrielle Birkner-Staff Writer
“Malkiel, from Israel, is an artist with fantastic energy- a sought after premier trombonist, he has toured and recorded with many notable artists including Columbia’s Toto La Momposina.”
Jose Conde y Ola Fresca
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“Mr. Malkiel is one of the leading trombone players in Israel. He has appeared as a featured artist in many concerts, radio and TV programs, and he has considerable expertise in Israeli and Middle Eastern ethnic Music”
Dan Gotfried, President, Israeli Musicians’ Union 8.31.2003
“I was struck immediately by his innate and gifted artistry. Mr. Malkiel is a unique instrumental virtuoso on his chosen instrument, the trombone, as well as a talented composer and arranger in the jazz idiom…Mr. Malkiel has an impressive ability to communicate and transfer his knowledge of the jazz language to students as witnessed by his work at La Guardia H.S. for the Performing Arts in New York City.”
Conrad Herwig, Trombonist 6.6.2000, Grammy Nominee 1998
Top Ten
Latin Beat Magazine
With Wayne Gorbea Y Salsa Picante: Fiesta En El Bronx…Con Mucho Sabor, 2002
Top ten
Latin Beat Magazine
With Pablo Mayor Folklure Urbano, Aviso 2003
Top ten picks of the year by Financial Times
La Cumbiamba's debut album, Marioneta, 2006
Recommended Jazz Trombonists PBS, “Jazz”, a film by Ken Burns.
Rafi Malkiel http://www.pbs.org/jazz/beat/buyers_trombone.htm
The Young Guns of Jazz, trumpeting the best of a new generation
Rafi Malkiel, featured
New York Post by Chip Deffaa 6.18.2001
”I just watched the webcast of the Rafi Malkiel quintet at the trinity concert at one. I've replayed it about 10 times so far, and looked in vain on Google to see if a recording of your group is available. It's the best Latin Jazz set I've heard; even better than Buena Vista social club.
I especially liked the first number, which you introduced as Guajira, your composition blue Bomba, and your take on Nature Boy.”
Craig Romney ctromney@qwest.net 23-Jul-2006
Producing a phenomenal new set of stunning world music arrangement, Rafi Malkiel demands reorganization as a world class musician / composer with his explosive 2007, world fusion jazz release, My Island. Delivering a substantial total of thirteen riveting, Latin-flavored jazz tracks on the album, Malkiel pens the scores for seven world class, original compositions that span seven different musical forms deriving from various Latin American regions including the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Colombia. But, Malkiel does not stop at seven distinct musical forms on this colossal world music effort, as each composition on the album is derived from a musical style different from all others on the album. In all, the album spans the diverse styles and forms including New Orleans' march in the style of Ellington & Armstrong, Colombian Fandango, Porro-Cumbia, also of Columbia, traditional Bolero, Bomba from Puerto Rico, fugue originating from Baroque-era classical, Brazilian Choro, as well as Mozambique, Danzon-Cha, Son, and Guajira, all four Cuban forms. Add to this mix, the stylings of multiple eras of jazz, multiple periods of European / Classical, Salsa, African and Latin rhythms, and other elements of Latin American folk music, and the resulting music that Malkiel has produced is wonderously rich and sophisticatedly seasoned with world music ingredients.
In order to ensure skillful execution of the scores commensurate with Malkiel's superb talents for composition, arrangement, and conducting, Malkiel has lined up a staggering array of talent to execute his works, the core ensemble being comprised of saxophone and clarinet virtuoso, Anat Cohen, hailing from the world music renown of the Paquito D'Rivera era of Dizzy Gillespie's United Nation Orchestra, the capable, emerging talent of flautist, Itai Kriss, the diverse experience of Colombia-born pianist, Jack Glottman, seasoned Latin jazz and Salsa trumpeter Steve Gluzband, renown Latin music percussionist, Anthony Carrillo, and premiere Cuban-style vocalist Abraham Rodriguez, among others. Together this cast of colorful characters apply their craftful artistry to weave a newfangled tapestry of savory, savvy melodius harmony that forges forward from the respected traditions of the pioneers of Latin / Afro-Cuban orchestral jazz, such as the aforementioned Dizzy Gillespie, Chico O'Farrill, and Paquito D'Rivero, as well as gaining fuel from other Latin artists ranging from the rhythmic-intensive, Latin Soul innovator, Poncho Sanchez, Salsa jazz favorite, Eddie Palmieri, and other music deriving from the percussive mastery of Giovanni Hidalgo.
My Island is a spirited album possessing grace, refinement, and elegance making it suitable for entertaining, fine dining environments, cocktail lounges, office environments, as well as casual listening for enjoyment and relaxation. Fashioned with a frame reminiscent of the United Nation Orchestra albums, Rafil Malkiel has produced a diverse world fusion effort incorporating savory Latin and world music flavors with wide ranging appeal. Discriminating fans of the orchestral Latin jazz of Afro-Cuban favorites such as the UNO, Paquito D'Rivera, and Eddie Palmieri, will surely be happy to add this tasty album to their collections. Fans of the Salsa music of such vocal-centric artists such as Willie Colon, Oscar d'Leon, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Ruben Blades, and Celia Cruz, that thrive on the instrumentation that backs up those acts and crave for a higher octane version of the underlying instrumentation, will find the musical quality that satisfies that hunger on this album too. Fans of the rhythmic stylings of Latin percussion masters such as Tito Puente, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Poncho Sanchez will enjoy this album for its intensive Latin rhythms and African derivative percussive instrumentation driven predominantly by the very capable Anthony Carrillo. Drawing broadly from his extensive experiences spanning a wide swath of style ranging from Coltrane to Salsa and other world music instrumental efforts, Malkiel has struck a great equilibrium on this album by balancing familiarity, via the incorporation of diverse, accessible influences into familiar forms, with crafting a unique sound and style, reminiscent of Poncho Sanchez in this regard.
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Rafi Malkiel, prodigioso trombonista de origen israelí, nos permite comprender, a través de su nuevo trabajo My Island, que la música es un lenguaje que trasciende fronteras y nacionalidades. En su lanzamiento como líder / director de banda Malkiel nos embarca en la música de su ensamble a través de un fascinante viaje rítmico por latitudes rítmicas insospechadas para el melómano de oído delicado. My Island es un trabajo en el que, respetando de manera profunda las raíces folclóricas de los ritmos originarios, Rafi Malkiel se permite fusionar de manera casi mágica armonías tan heterogéneas como el fandango colombiano, el choro brasileño, la bomba puertorriqueña y las cubanas Mozambique, danzón–cha, son y guajira con delicados arreglos de latín jazz, género en el que Malkiel se desenvuelve brillantemente.
Recomendados: Los Tres Juanes, Nature Boy, Coballende, Choro for Anat, Guajira con trombón.
Altamente Recomendado
Translation:
Rafi Malkiel, prodigious trombonista of Israeli origin, allows us to include/understand, through its new work My Island, that music is a language that extend border and nationalities.In its launching as leader/director of Malkiel band embarks to us in the music of his joint through a fascinating rythmical trip by unsuspected rythmical latitudes for the music lover of delicate ear. My Island is a work in which, respecting of deep way the roots folkloric of the original rates, Rafi Malkiel is allowed to fuse of way magician almost as heterogenous harmonies as the Colombian fandango, choro Brazilian, Cuban the Puerto Rican pump and the Mozambique, danzón-cha, are and guajira with delicate adjustments of Latin jazz, sort in which Malkiel develops shiningly.
Recommended: The Three Juans, Nature Boy, Coballende, for Choro Anat, Guajira with trombón.
Highly Recommended
Diego Silva
Diego Silva, La Conga.org 6/25/07
Rafi Malkiel prodigy trombonist of Israel & acute;
origin allows us to understand through he's new piece
my island that music is a language that transcends
borders and nationalities.
In his launch as a band leader and director Malkiel
takes us in the music of his ensemble on a fascinating
rhythmic trip to rhythmic latitudes surprising
(unexpected) by the delicate musicologist ear.
My island is a work in which, represented in a
profound way the folkloric roots of the original
rhythms, Rafi Malkiel allows himself to fuse in an
almost magical way harmonies so varied such as
Colombian fandango, Brazilian Choro... and Guajira with
delicate arrangements of Latin jazz, genre in which
Rafi unwraps (presents, expresses) himself
brilliantly (brightly).
Recommended: Los Tres Juanes, Nature Boy, Coballende, Choro for Anat, Guajira con trombón.
Highly recommended
Diego Silva
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