Omer Leshem | Play Space Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Play Space is a musical exploration of modern jazz possibilities. In this album, Omer Leshem deftly intertwines Middle Eastern embellishments, marked by delicate rhythmic accents and focused modal colors, with the harmonic and feel richness of modern jazz. The result is a sonic canvas where vibrant tensions and layered rhythmic patterns coalesce into a sound that is refreshingly stimulating.

The quintet is the heart of Play Space, an ensemble where visionary leader Omer Leshem’s musical compositions form a stimulating environment of interplay for each member. Pianist Moshe Elmakias delivers intricate, improvisatory passages that echo the album’s fusion of post-bop sophistication and Middle Eastern nuance, while guitarist Nadav Remez infuses each track with inventive melodic textures and dynamic interplay. Bassist Elam Friedlander grounds the ensemble with resonant grooves that bind the harmonic layers, and drummer Ben Silashi propels the music forward with a kinetic, culturally diverse rhythmic drive. Their collective artistry transforms each composition into a vibrant journey that bridges East and West.

Take, for example, the opening track, “Twilight Hymn,” where Leshem employs subtle shifts in his accents within his improvisation that imbues it with a Middle Eastern quality. The song’s modal colors are deliberately exploited by the ensemble to heighten the inherent emotional tension and release within the space. The intricate, Middle Eastern-inspired ornamentation has a structural modern jazz grounding, creating a dynamic interplay that draws the listener into an expansive musical narrative of East and West.

In “Take an Advil,” the album’s rhythmic charm of Leshem’s composition shines through, and Friedlander and Silashi bring a lively time feel to life. The music’s playful, fast-tempo energy is built upon rhythmic patterns that are grouped into its melody. These patterns underpin an energetic jazz vocabulary, where extended harmonies and agile improvisational exchanges invite us to savor the interaction of soloist and accompanist with a sense of musical storytelling.

“David’s Devastating Journey” is an introspective jazz ballad, allowing Leshem’s improvisational freedom to fully blossom in an expressive slow-tempo environment. The extended solos on this track reflect the ensemble’s ability to transform their personal narratives into a rich collection of sounds that combine to tell a story. The robust jazz framework that never loses sight of its Middle Eastern cultural roots can be heard in each musician’s performance.

“Cape Town Swag” has an infectious modern jazz groove that reflects the laid-back spirit of a sunlit coastal day and the rhythmic undercurrent of Mediterranean music. The track’s vibrant bass lines and spirited saxophone passages create a warm, inviting atmosphere that underscores the album’s overarching theme of cultural fusion. Elmakias’ piano solo is excellent, and Remez’s guitar solo is a fusion of jazz and Mediterranean hues.

Each composition on Play Space is a carefully constructed dialogue that brings Leshem’s musical world to life. In “The Heroic Era of No Consequences” and “Pull the Donkey,” Leshem explores a spectrum of musical feels and textures to paint tonal pictures of mythic introspection to playful angularity. Leshem’s compositional style is a classy blending of rhythmic accents and phrasing that is grounded in modern jazz and Middle Eastern ingenuity. Even the reflective closing piece, “Back Home,” evolves these styles and sounds into a dramatic culmination, encapsulating the album’s journey of rediscovery and transformation.

Overall, Play Space is enjoyably clear in its fusion of Middle Eastern sensibilities and contemporary jazz artistry. Leshem’s innovative use of embellishments, modal focus, and rhythmic motifs, all wrapped in a modern jazz framework, creates a rich and engaging listening experience for any jazz or world music fan.

Artist: Omer Leshem
Album: Play Space
Label: Ubuntu Music

Release Date: September 27, 2024

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.