(Klezmer Jazz, Tzadik) Uri Gurvich - The Storyteller - 2009, MP3, 320 kbps

Born and raised in Israel, Uri began playing the Saxophone at age of 11. He was a member of the Israeli Air Force Big Band and the Tel Aviv Jazz Orchestra, and at 19, he won the prestigious Jazz Player of the year competition in Israel, leading him to represent his country in the IASJ convention. In 2002 Uri was selected to represent Israel in the European Youth Jazz Orchestra. Additionally, he is a member of the United Nations Youth Big Band. After his army service, Uri received a scholarship and relocated to Boston to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Uri graduated with honors and moved to New York City, where he currently resides. Over the past few years, Uri has performed in major international jazz festivals in the U.S., Europe and Japan, and has shared the stage with Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, New York Voices, Django Bates, Esperansa Spalding, Francisco Mela and many more. Uri’s debut album, “The Storyteller”, featuring Chris Cheek and rising star drummer Francisco Mela, is available through New York based label, Tzadik Records.

“The Storyteller, on John Zorn's Tzadik label, is his debut album as a leader, and a very natural place for him to begin because it has become a true hotbed for developing as well as established talent, and Gurvich is both: a new name on the scene perhaps, but an artist who arrives fully developed in his roles as bandleader, soloist, and most importantly as a composer. The Storyteller is a wondrous recording. It showcases Gurvich's deep love of progressive jazz as it weds itself to his knowledge and deep respect for the folk music traditions of Israel, Yemen, North Africa, and Eastern Europe… The Storyteller is a brilliantly auspicious debut by a major new voice in jazz. Anyone interested in the form as either a student of its history or a cheerleader for its burgeoning future would do well to pay close attention to both the record and its creator. Gurvich may not be such a well-known name now, but based on what's here, that's about to change.” All Music Guide
“A series of jazz extrapolations of Jewish themes. Gurvich’s quartet draws inspiration from John Coltrane, bringing a similar sound and spiritual centeredness to sounds rooted in another ancient tradition.” Casual Listening
“...a new Tzadik disc, The Storyteller, which features lush, emotive post bop with an Israeli tinge” Time Out, New York
“Gurvich is clearly steeped in the influence of MY FAVORITE THINGS-era John Coltrane, along with Middle Eastern roots music, but he and his crack band bring these elements together in a way that is fresh, forward thinking, and listener-friendly.” Muze
"The Storyteller is another exciting release out of the New Israeli Jazz scene, this time featuring alto saxophonist Uri Gurvich."

Uri Gurvich: Alto Sax
Chris Cheek: Tenor Sax
Leo Genovese: Piano, Fender Rhodes
Francisco Mela: Drums
Peter Slavov: Bass