Nuphar Fey - Serenity Island (2020) [WEB]

Last week Israeli pianist Nuphar Fey released her new album titled “Serenity Island” on Belgium based Hypnote Records. Known for her crystal-like touch, use of dynamics and the rich palette of colours displayed in her compositions, Fey has been generating quite some interest in the international jazz scene over the last few years. Fey’s background is as a classical soloist in her native Israel. In addition, she has travelled extensively exploring flamenco, cinematic and middle eastern music before she immersed herself completely in the world of contemporary jazz.

In the accompanying press release to the album, it stated that “The music contained on the album was written over a period of a number of years and documents the impressions and experiences of the pianist during her travels through several European countries, Israel and deep life-changing experiences. While rooted in jazz the album presents a wide array of influences, tastefully combining them to capture a unique musical imprint.”

It’s this last sentence that I would say describes the album the best. Containing 10 original tracks, Fey successfully incorporates elements of classical and world music and encapsulates these into what I would describe as the European language of jazz as defined by the early ECM releases of the 1970s and ’80s. The album features a standard piano trio format with Fey on piano, Daniel Ashkenazy on bass and Gal Petel holding down the drum chair. The album also features appearances by percussionist Rony Iwryn and Telalit adding an essential role in the albums sound-scape on cello.26.03.2020