Review by Adam Baruch – Jazzis magazine

COMMON BOND ~ ANCIENT SONG OF NATURE
PRIVATE EDITION ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013
This is the second album by the Israeli Jazz-World Fusion ensemble Common Bond, formed and led by guitarist / composer Kobi Shefi. The current lineup of the band includes also the female vocalist Naama Levy, keyboardist Ilan Pustopetski, oboe player Yoram Lachish who plays also many other instruments, bassist Nimrod Lachish, drummer Roni Zadik and percussionist Chen Meir. Among themselves the band members play a plethora of instruments, many of which are original ethnic instruments from many parts of the world. The album includes twelve original compositions, eight of which were composed by Shefi, two by Zadik, one by Nimrod Lachish and one is the group´s arrangement of a Beatles song.

The music is excellent from start to finish, with a diverse spectrum of genres and influences, mixing ethnic motifs from Africa and the Middle East with Jazzy improvisations, Pop melodies and percussive pulsations and Funky rhythms. The entire amalgam of so many colorful elements makes a perfect musical sense and creates a truly enjoyable musical experience. All the musicians have plenty of opportunities to play solo spots, although the relaxed atmosphere and spiritual approach seem to be the driving force here rather than competing for attention.

Common Bond is, in many respects, the epitome of contemporary Israeli music, doing what Israeli do best, mixing the countless sources of tradition, inspiration and influence form the entire world. Cross genre, cross style and cross culture, this music is simply music, which can touch any listener anywhere on this planet.

The performances are all excellent, both the sensitive vocals and the energetic instrumental passages, which flow easily and elegantly in spite of their sophistication and intelligent craftsmanship. The ensemble exists since the late 1990s and certainly deserves a much wider recognition than it managed to achieve so far, so this new album will hopefully bring their music to a much wider audience. At least I hope so, at they truly deserve it!