Search - Andy Statman :: Awakening From Above

Jewish spiritual songs by jazz trio

Pink Noodle | Duncanville, TX USA | 07/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Awakening from Above" is an ecstatic collection of Eastern European Jewish music. His luxuriant improvisations seem to come from a place that is so intimate and soulful that it makes you blush to listen to them. Eagle and Whitney contribute minimalist accompaniment - a few drum beats here, a bass drone there, allowing Statman to swoop and dive and soar. His improvisation on Reb Michel Zlotchover's "Deveykus Niggun" is a lengthy free jazz treatment of a traditional 18th century niggun (song for cleaving to God.) Whitney's bass growls in the bottom and Eagle provides light cymbal taps while Statman rhapsodizes with rich, coppery trills and runs. It's music that is not so much listened to as absorbed through the pores.



- Peggy Latkovich

review from CDroots site which has more information"