by Steph Cosme
In Play Space, Omer Leshem extends an invitation into his universe of play. A concept of performance that transcends amusement to become a focus of philosophical inspiration. Drawing on the ideas of Donald Winnicott, Leshem suggests that creative expression is akin to a child’s boundless play: an exploration where the rules of conventionality are suspended, allowing pure, unbridled imagination to emerge. The nine performances are carefully constructed with a playful motif as a musical decision through the embrace of spontaneity and clear constructs. Leshem’s approach underscores that within the art of jazz, play is equally a process and an end, where sound and silence speak to the inherent joy of discovery.
As you journey through the album, a distinct narrative arc unfolds through its performances and the ensemble’s thematic storytelling. Each composition contributes a chapter to a larger, evolving tale. The narrative arc of the album unfolds with a musical focus on an evolving story. In the expansive “David’s Devastating Journey”, Leshem’s theme of transformation and being expressed through the extended solos and shifting feels that are held together by the composition’s narrative. “Cape Town Swag” then injects a burst of vitality with three buoyant rhythms and spirited improvised conjuring by Elmakias, Remez, and Silashi.
“The Heroic Era of No Consequences” explores the interplay between mythic valor and human fragility. The influences of Israeli music are evident in the rhythmic structure and modal colors, adding depth and authenticity to the piece. The theme is especially striking, with Leshem’s saxophone leading the way in an expressive, fluid motion that enhances its beauty. Leshem’s solo embodies the same rhythmic vitality and modal richness, weaving through the piece with an organic ebb and flow. His phrasing is deeply expressive, accenting key moments with subtle inflections that highlight the underlying rhythmic pulse. Each melodic phrase unfolds with a natural lyricism, seamlessly blending intricate embellishments with bold, declarative statements, reinforcing the Israeli influences that shape the composition.
“Pull the Donkey” and “Mulberry Garden” offer two playful explorations by the ensemble. The common musical language the musicians communicate in is based on a fluent dialect of jazz and Middle Eastern influence. The fervor of “Go You Maniac” channels post-bop energy into a passionate ensemble conversation, setting the stage for the reflective finale in “Back Home,” where the graceful tones of Friedlander’s bass resolve into a tender solo. Leshem and Remez contrapuntal expressions leading to the cadential figure is outstanding.
Elevating this intricate storytelling is the album’s pristine sonic atmosphere, achieved through the acoustics of Dreamland Studios and the engineering by Ariel Shafir alongside Dave Darlington’s balanced mixing. Every track is rendered with crystalline clarity, allowing the layered interplay between Leshem’s lyrical saxophone, Moshe Elmakias’s expressive piano, Nadav Remez’s inventive guitar, Elam Friedlander’s resonant bass, and Ben Silashi’s dynamic drumming to shine through. This exceptional production quality ensures that the fusion of Middle Eastern modal colors with a post-bop jazz vocabulary resonates throughout the album.
Omer Leshem’s Play Space is a convergence of playful philosophy, narrative depth, and sonic excellence. The layered compositions and the vibrant interplay between Middle Eastern rhythmic patterns and post-bop jazz harmonies are integrated by the ensemble into a distinct sound. That’s the short of it!
Connect with Omer Leshem: Website |
