Music review: Saxophonist “Yuval Drabkin” is spellbinding

Meet Yuval Drabkin is one of the top-called saxophonists in the Israeli jazz scene and has also performed in large pop music productions many times. Yuval obtained his BFA in jazz performance on a full-merit scholarship from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where he also completed his studies. In the past, he attended the Rimon Conservatory of Music in Ramat Hasharon and the Israel Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv.

The impressive Clearer Night by Yuval Drabkin with a lineup joining the lyrical yet always collaborative pianist Ido Haimovich alongside subtle drummer Yali Shimoni and bass by Gonn Shani, as I. This marvelous band performed live on 24th August 2022 (https://www.facebook.com/1438912241/videos/1511491002680625).  Yuval also collaborated as a special guest soloist on a number of CDs of other well-known Israeli musicians including Eden Giat, David Sirkis, Nadav Berkovits, Asaf Harris, and others.

Drabkin’s bands have left a lasting impression on audiences nationwide for many years now while touring across Israel, at its most celebrated jazz establishments (including, the Jerusalem Jazz Festival, Beit Ha’amudim, Shablul Jazz Club, Café Bagaleria, and Dunuwas Wine Bar).  In his new album, you can hear string statements of ruthless improvisations and hard-driving grooves to intimate, harmonically-rich lullabies. Yuval’s music is diverse, challenging, and surprising, keeping the listener on his toes.

For example, his song, Felice, which includes the added skills of three impressive jazz musicians (piano, upright bass, and drums) skillfully transitions from quiet, meditative beginnings to more than eight minutes of rising tempo and complexity happening wonderfully. The lead saxophone and the supporting layers take the listener on a  rare trip of many shifting sceneries, like a stroll through the smoky backstreets of an ancient (and more innocent) time. Currently touring Israel, putting the final touches on numerous forthcoming projects, Yuval Drabkin looks sure to continue to grow his already blossoming reputation within the new Israeli jazz music genre through his emotionally-provocative, dreamy inspired sound. 

Listen on Bandcamp:

https://yuvaldrabkin.bandcamp.com/track/clearer-night

Website:

https://www.yuvaldrabkinmusic.com/

Facebook:  

https://www.facebook.com/yuval.drabkin/

Instagram:  

https://www.instagram.com/yuvaldrabkin/