Myth of the Cave by Yitzhak Yedid

07 Jun

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Israeli pianist Yitzhak Yedid’s music covers a multitude of diametrically opposed angels via a chamber-esque setting throughout this most interesting and undeniably entertaining set. The basis for this CD is rooted within Plato’s metaphor - The allegory of the cave. Sectioned off in five movements, the trio, featuring renowned jazz clarinetist Francois Houle and bassist Ora Boasson, features a sequence of somewhat mystical, yet largely, flowing themes. At times, the music can appear to be light-as-a-feather amid gobs of tonal contrasts, whereas Yedid draws upon Middle Eastern modalities and free-jazz experimentation.

The trio executes pert, unison choruses via a series of sinuously devised movements in concert with a few knotty time signatures. They maintain a focused group sound amid a loose groove modus operandi. A musical journey for sure, where the musicians improvise through complex ostinato motifs and contrapuntal movements, evidenced on "Second Movement - Non Believer’s Prayer." As Houle, frequently solos atop Yedid and Boasson’s weaving foundations.

Yedid is a shrewd composer, as he bridges the gap between semi-austere classical genres and freethinking modern jazz improvisation. In addition, the pianist who has performed with Paul Bley among others incorporates a worldly view into his rather divergent methodologies! (Recommended.... )