Composer-arranger-producer Oded Lev-Ari has crafted acclaimed albums by the likes of hit band 3 Cohens, clarinet icon Anat Cohen and woodwind sage Marty Ehrlich, as well as rising-star singers Amy Cervini, Melissa Stylianou and vocal trio Duchess. Now the Tel Aviv-born, New York-based Lev-Ari steps out with the first recording under his own name: Threading.
The album presents six inspired Lev-Ari compositions – instrumental and vocal – performed by an all-star 11-piece New York band that includes Anat Cohen and the ace Matt Wilson on drums, as well as guest vocalists Alan Hampton and Jo Lawry.
The chamber-jazz sound of Threading – which features not only winds, trumpet and a textured rhythm section but also three cellos – hints at varied sonic worlds, from jazz sound painters Gil Evans and Maria Schneider to tango nuevo king Astor Piazzolla and contemporary classical composers. Ultimately, though, Lev-Ari has his own, individual soundprint, one of cinematic richness and open-hearted lyricism.
credits
released April 28, 2015
ANAT COHEN: Clarinet
WILL VINSON: Alto & Soprano Sax
BRIAN LANDRUS: Bari Sax & Bass Clarinet
NADJE NOORDHUIS: Trumpet & Flugelhorn
ALEX WATERMAN, YOED NIR, NOAH HOFFELD: Cello
ODED LEV-ARI: Piano
GILAD HEKSELMAN: Guitar
JOE MARTIN: Bass
MATT WILSON: Drums
ALAN HAMPTON: Voice (3,7) JO LAWRY: Voice (7)
All compositions and lyrics by Oded Lev-Ari
(Deddi Music, BMI) except Goodbye (3,7) by Gordon Jenkins (Jenkins Family Partnership, ASCAP), arranged by Oded Lev-Ari.
RECORDED BY James Farber at Sear Sound, May 21–22, 2014
MIXED BY James Farber at Sear Sound, June 18–19 and 21, 2014
ASSISTANT ENGINEERS Ted Tuthill, Chris Allen
MASTERED BY Mark Wilder at Battery Studios, August 2014
EDITED BY Brian Montgomery
COVER PHOTO BY James Stenson
PHOTO OF ODED LEV-ARI BY Shervin Lainez
PACKAGING DESIGN BY Steve Skladany
PRODUCED BY Oded Lev-Ari
From a great musical family, Anat shines brightly.From high
stepping dance beats to Brazilian grooves, this gal has it down. Music to put a smile on your face. Harvey