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Reflecting on Freedom
Origin Records

ALBUM INFO

Released: September 17, 2021
Label: Origin Records
Catalogue: Origin 82829
Format: Studio album
Recorded: August 18–19, 2020
Location: Bardo Studios, Ramat Gan, Israel
Produced by: Alon Farber, Yehonatan Cohen & Oded Meir
Recorded by: Bill Tsur
Mixed by: Bill Tsur, Tel Aviv
Mastered by: Aran Lavi, TanTan Studios, Tel Aviv
Cover photo: Kieren Ridley
Cover design & layout: John Bishop
Band photo: Yossi Zwecker

PERSONNEL

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Alon Farber — soprano & alto saxophones
Yehonatan Cohen — tenor saxophone, flute & clarinet
Oded Meir — trombone
Eden Giat — piano
Assaf Hakimi — acoustic & electric bass
Roy Oliel — drums

Special guests
Sarai Zak-Levi — vocals (tracks 1, 3, 7)
Rony Iwryn — percussion (tracks 1, 2, 3, 7, 8)

ABOUT THE ALBUM 

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Reflecting on Freedom takes its inspiration from Eddie Harris’s “Freedom Jazz Dance,” which is quoted in the title track. The idea of freedom also reflects Hagiga’s approach to music: moving naturally between swing, Middle Eastern and Moroccan influences, Brazilian music, funk and freer forms of jazz. With its three-horn front line and guests Sarai Zak-Levi and Rony Iwryn, the album explores a wide range of colors while maintaining the band’s distinctive sound.

PRESS & REVIEWS

ALL ABOUT JAZZ

​“Farber solos perceptively on alto and soprano sax. A scrapbook of stylish universal music with a delightful Israeli accent.”

— Jack Bowers

JAZZFM (UK)

“…a gorgeous blend of musical flavours and colours…Alon’s arrangement of ‘You’ll See The Way’ really hooked me onto this album.”

— Ruth Fisher

MUSIC FRAMES

“Hagiga plays tight and skilfully. Double tempo, counter rhythms, virtuosity; it all sounds very organic.”

— Mattie Poels

TAKE EFFECT

“The soprano and alto sax extraordinaire Alon Farber is joined by an excellent cast as they flesh out a very diverse version of jazz that pulls from Latin and Middle Eastern ideas. ‘Fresh Start’ bounces and shakes with a modern jazz spirit that will be sure to get your body moving.”

— Tom Haugen

LONGPLAY (Budapest)

“The band's instruments evoke associations with Wayne Shorter's historical formations. Excellent album!”

— Robert Ratajczak

DISTRITO JAZZ (Spain)

“The Israeli jazz scene could not be more interesting... or the presence of Alon Farber himself.”

— Editor

Midwest Record

"Now entering it's third decade, this ensemble snake charms, belly dances and parts the waters with chops to spare. Opening the ears to jazz pouring out of Israel, these vets and pros are some really sterling travel guides to new sonic lands."

— Chris Spector

LISTEN NOW: 

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  • Bandcamp
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