'Pauses in Shades' marks the new collaborative release from Maya Belsitzman and Uriel Herman released through Ubuntu Music.
It's always inspiring to continually discover new projects that were born of the global pandemic's subsequent quarantine period. Although much of that time now feels like an age away, its lengthy shadow still looms over many of us in a variety of societal and individual ways so to find these glimmers of beauty in the art around us - a proverbial rose that grew from concrete - proves to be an invaluable gift.
Maya Belsitzman's affections for musical collaboration have led her to a variety of ensemble projects including work with The Israel Jazz Orchestra and Acollective as well a series of duo projects pairing her cello and vocals alongside that of drummer Matan Ephrat and another with guitarist Ninet Tayeb.
While 'Pauses in Shades' serves as Belsitzman's introduction to Ubuntu, pianist Uriel Herman can celebrate past projects with the label as well as a glittering career that has seen his work established as a soloist and as leader of the Uriel Herman Quartet.
For those familiar with each of these artists' past efforts, the union of Belsitzman and Herman in this duo setting presents enthralling possibilities for the variety of options available to them. For two artists with such strong affections for the art of improvisation and music that straddles the lines of multiple musical genres from classical elegance to big band jazz arrangements and ensembles to Middle Eastern stylings, 'Pauses in Shades' had limitless possibilities available for its over-arching direction.
And unsurprisingly, the collaboration doesn't disappoint on any level. With a series of ten compositions that present a beautiful collage of folk-tinged, neo-classical jazz - at times deliciously haunting and at others baroque and intimate. 'Pauses in Shades' genuinely boasts some exquisite compositions that sees each contributor excel in their efforts throughout. Belsitzman's performance really adds some luxurious textures to the whole project managing to find their best life within the more stirring pieces as much as they do within the more introspective compositions while Herman's performance is met with such charm and personality.
'Pauses in Shades' delivers as a stunning piece of work. A project that lends itself to rediscovery through repeated listens and an experience you'll relish each time you take it. It really is a joy!
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