Artist: Kristjan Järvi’s Absolute Ensemble
Title: Arabian Nights: Live at Town Hall NYC
Label: Enja Rec (Germany)
Cat.#: ENJ-9571 2
Genre: a melding of Middle Eastern musical genres with Western musical genres including jazz, rock, and contemporary classical, as a post-September 11 statement of unity
Reviewed by Leo Volf
Within moments of listening to Arabian Nights, the term world music instantly springs to mind. The title of the album definitely gives the listener an idea of what part of the world he’s listening to, but to simply categorize the music as an “east meets west” collaboration would be a great disservice to everyone involved. The list of influences seems quite eclectic and the ensemble executes the ideas with great ease. At certain points, members of the ensemble can’t help but to put their own personal stamp on the music. Matt Herskowitz’s light piano fills on “Amr I Bismiki” are a perfect example. Certainly, one would not find a jazz pianist in a traditional Middle Eastern ensemble, but the in the case of the Absolute Ensemble the mix is quite natural and almost seems necessary. And all of this was recorded at one of the most respected acoustic environments in New York City, Town Hall.
