“…multi-instrumental, fusion jazz-based extravaganza…” “…one of the best kept secrets in Jazz…” “…imaginative, genre-crossing, sonic light…” All words we’ve used in an attempt to describe the musical craft of Israel-based master-of-Jazz (our words, not his) composer, producer, musician, engineer and father, Pablo Embon.
His anthology of sound has officially become a library of free thought and vibrational expression with his 18th studio album, the tender-hearted and contemplative, the ever-so-chilled-down, Reminiscent Moods.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Well-versed in many jazz arenas, Getaway immediately made me take note of the album’s cover-art, as this track sees Embon move straight into guitar-based jazz-chill. Cocktails and good conversation. A cool breeze while staring out at a moonlit beach. And it even comes with just a touch of urgency tossed in from 2:30–3:28 to remind us all that contrast is key—in music, and in life.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK… Never Say Goodbye sparkles and fades, picking up where Getaway left off as a soft, ambient, piano-centric composition. This time, as the name suggests, there’s a touch of delicious sadness—which let’s you know it was worth the ride. This is one for your Summer jazz playlist.
Like a connecting of millions of dots, the well-timed and melodic guitar notes in Two Minutes Of Joy flow together without spit or seam in this aptly-titled and up-spirited number. It’s mastery. It’s jazz.
OUR SECOND FAVORITE TRACK… As if floating adrift on the sea, Ocean Deep ebbs and flows, rich with subtle etheric synth tones. Like a lighthouse in the distance, an electric solo subtly grabs your attention at 3:30, and all is well. It’s our second favorite track, though it could just as easily have been our favorite.
With its layers of string-synth, the cinematic composition that is, Rainy Day, feels like an old-school Bond flick.
Since You’ve Been Gone is a pleasant return to Pablo’s roots, with this Vince Guaraldi-esque composition. (Think: The Peanuts.)
Concluding the album is, Out Of Tears, an unsuspectingly chipper alt-jazz piece which sets off with world-style tones and percussion before settling into a very Embon-esque jazz-lounge number. Guitar & piano improv, and more inspire the great afternoon chill before we are bid adieu.
IN CONCLUSION…
A sailing jazz-chill experience. Freedom, sonically-expressed. Fun, light, warm. Rich and inspiring. Pablo Embon’s 18th studio album, Reminiscent Moods, makes me smile more than his past work. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s because the master himself is fulfilled in his life, his work, and his vocation. Only a particular degree of happiness, contentment, and self-understanding can authentically produce an outward expression of the same—in this case, the album.
Musically, Embon takes to the guitar and the piano with equal delicateness and intention. So much so, that there were moments while perusing through this project when my memory could not recall which instrument was the focal point of a particular track. Rarely have two instruments been paired so appropriately, and with such parallel focus.
As a whole, the album seems meant to inspire the universal unwinding of one’s heart and mind. An untwisting of the ego’s complication. A setting-aside of the business details of life, if only for a moment, so that one might achieve some peace of mind within their own reminiscent mood.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
In this his 18th album, comparisons seem trite. Pablo Embon has earned the right to claim his sound as his own.
BELOW: Listen to Pablo Embon’s new album, Reminiscent Moods, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Pablo Embon by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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