Press Quotes
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Between avant-garde and popular roots, from Zō the jazz of the young Israeli trio Zafio
GNC PressOn Tuesday, May 19, the Zo Centro Culture Contemporanee in Catania will host a concert by the young
Israeli jazz trio Zafio , a distinctive, experimental band from Tel Aviv that draws on influences ranging from traditional to modern jazz, bringing an original and ever-evolving sound to the stage.The three musicians—
Itay Simhovich on piano and electronics, Ilai Salomon on bass, and Yali Stern on drums —began playing together at the Thelma Yellin art school and have gained recognition for their performances at Israel’s most celebrated clubs, such as Beit Ha’Amudim, Shablul Jazz, and Amama. They started playing together in 2021, and since the beginning they have gone through a process of finding their own voice and sound, working on original music that includes influences from Israeli songs, traditional and modern jazz, and have performed with many artists of the Israeli jazz scene, including Yonatan Voltzok, Asaf Yuria, Amit Friedman and Mattan Klein and have collaborated with jazz masters such as Avishai Cohen, Shai Maestro and Gilad Hekselman.
Their self-titled debut album was released in 2022. The intense process was led by Tomer Bar, who produced the album. Their original tracks feature rich ambient textures, sweeping double bass and synth loops, and complex rhythms drawn from both traditional jazz and Israeli folk roots.
From the start, Gratitude plunges the listener into a hypnotic state, driven by its main rhythmic pattern, played on the guitar by Gilad Hekselman and repeated throughout the track.With its nostalgic feel, the track gradually grows more complex, layering textures, harmonies and short melodic and rhythmic motifs. Gratitude is a masterclass in repetitive music and contemporary jazz, blending the two genres effortlessly, while incorporating, at times, futuristic sounds.
Zafio’s originality shines through, with the group’s precision in its delivery. Itay Simhovich‘s and Gilad Hekselman’s ability to improvise with ease elevates the piece, offering an intricate palette of musical possibilities.
Gratitude is a statement on instrumental jazz, with embracing experimentation, to refresh the listener’s musical palate.
