Yaron Herman - Alter Ego (2012)

Born in Tel Aviv on July 12th 1981, Yaron seemed destined for a brilliant career as a junior basketball player on Israel's national team, but his dreams of becoming a sportsman were interrupted when he badly injured his knee. He was just sixteen. So he turned to the piano, studying the instrument using a method based on Philosophy, Mathematics and Psychology. Today, Yaron is considered one of the best pianists of his generation, hailed by the public and media alike in Europe, Asia and The United States. Searching for his identity, Herman draws his audience deep into his musical cosmos. On 'Alter Ego' a kaleidoscope of memories passes by some longingly solemn, some full of passion and joy. Clearly referring to the Jewish musical tradition, Herman presents a loving homage to his origin. For the first time, Yaron has expressed such emotions on record with a quartet. Alongside him, on saxophone, is Emile Parisien, another brilliant ambassador for his generation, one that bubbles freely without any complexes; on double bass is Stéphane Kerecki, a loyal friend and peerless bassist who regularly plays on tour with Yaron. Finally, there's also his "long-time brother", Ziv Ravitz, an Israeli drummer who completes the line-up marvellously. And they have a special guest: saxophonist Logan Richardson skilfully contributes that special colour which typifies the new generation of musicians from New York.

Tracklist:

01. Atlas and Axis
02. Mojo
03. Heart Break Through
04. Your Eyes
05. La confusion sexuelle des papillons
06. Ukolébavka Wiegenlied
07. From Afar
08. Sunbath
09. Homemade
10. Hatikva
11. Mechanical Brothers
12. Madeleine
13. Kaos

Personnel:

Yaron Herman - piano;
Emile Parisien - tenor & soprano saxophone;
Logan Richardson - alto saxophone;
Stephane Kerecki - bass;
Ziv Ravitz - drums.