The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival is over, but its sweet taste lingers on. A Chicago sound warmed up the night on Friday as Kahil El’Zabar stepped up to the drums. A hushed anticipation filled the hall with a deep silence as Kahil started up a soft rhythm, gentle as rain. Junius Paul came in on bass, singing “Open my eyes…” sound rising against the violet glow of the stage lights as Hamiet Bluiett joined in – and that was just the beginning.
Kahil led the audience on an amazing journey through alternating rhythms and shifting moods. The trio seduced with their cool ease then turned up the heat with an almost mystic intensity.
Meditative, playful and spontaneous, burning up the floor with a hot dance sequence – Do ya feel it?
then closing the evening with an a capella number searing in its vulnerability – wish I knew why I’m so in love with you…
www.kahilelzabar.net
www.juniuspaul.com
www.hamietbluiett.com
AYELET DEKEL
