Albert Beger - Tell Me More, Please

[JSngry]

Got to hear an album called Evolving Silence, Vol. 1 (recorded February 27 of this year in Tel-Aviv) that featured Beger in a trio setting with the ubiquitous William Parker/Hamid Drake tandem and enjoyed it thoroughly. Beger's tenor work here seems to be a combining of the work of late Trane, Trane-era Pharoah, and, of course, early Ayler. The "Holy Trinity" of mid/late 60s tenor playing (Hopefully none is taken in this context, as none is intended). But in spite of such powerful, iconic role models, Beger finds his own voice, of sorts at least. Lots of people use these ingredients, so there's nothing startingly original here, but Beger has his own shadings of them, which is are attractive ones to me. Plus, he seems to have a certain humility about doing what he does the way he does it, which is a quality I often find lacking (and unappealing) in others who take somewhat the same path. His spirit definitely seems true.

His flute playing is another matter altogether, reflecting, as I hear it, a lot of Middle-Eastern folk influences, and little, if any, overt "jazz" traits. I find his work on the instrument both involving and moving.

The Parker/Drake team are all over this stuff, btw. Whereas sometimes, in other settings, Parker sounds to me as if he's primarily concerned about Making An Imprtant Statement, here he sounds like he's just come to play the music as well as possible. And that he does, splendidly so. Hamid, well hell, Hamid's a natural for this kinda stuff. "Nuff said.

All told, a warm, inviting, refreshing, and above all, satisfying listen. I'd like to find out more about Beger, as well as if his type of jazz (at least as presented here - for all I know, he might make a living playing bebop, or something like that...) is warmly received in his home land. The guy seems to play with soul, facility, sincerity, and a deeper than usual sense of perspective. I certainly hope he's not having to scuffle too much.

[vibes]

At first, I thought it said "Israeli Terrorist/Flutist."

[White Lightning]

OK, this is a proper thread to return to the big O after a rather long hiatus.

Beger is one of the best Israeli Jazz players. He's really really good. He is not well outside Israel known because he decided to stay in Israel rather to go to the States. beger is a great influence on many young musicians here (inc. myself when I played a long time ago).

Beger is not a household name in Israel, but every Jazz fan knows of him if not know his music.

His last CD before Evolving Silence Vol.1 is called Listening

You can listen to a sample Here. This is a 5tet w/Alto sax/B-cl; d; e-guitar and e-bass.

Another nice album is a trio (w/bass and drums) called Hevel Havalim. Here is a sample

Enjoy

Edited September 18, 2005 by White Lightning

[JSngry]

Nice samples, Barak. More "aggressive" than Evolving Silence, but still very much of the same spirit.

And welcome back!

[White Lightning]

And welcome back!

←

THNX, Jim

[B. Goren.]

Albert Beger's best recording (IMHO) is *Hevel Havalim*, a trio with Gabriel Meyer (bass) and Hagai Fershtman (drums and percussion). When you listen to it you can easily identify his sources of influence: Ayler & Rollins. I strongly Recommend.

Beger's discoraphy.

[White Lightning]

Just a quick note to let whoe ever is interested that "Evolving Silence vol.2" w/W.Parker & H.Drake just hit the (Israeli) streets, and it's as good as vol. 1

[Bright Moments]

Albert Beger's best recording (IMHO) is *Hevel Havalim*, a trio with Gabriel Meyer (bass) and Hagai Fershtman (drums and percussion). When you listen to it you can easily identify his sources of influence: Ayler & Rollins. I strongly Recommend.

Beger's discoraphy.