Destinations

Tamir Hendelman has earned a well deserved reputation as a top flight accompanist with Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Kathy Kosins and other band leaders. This is his second recording as a leader, a finely crafted trio effort mainly consisting of standards or covers rearranged by the pianist, with melodies reconfigured via his deft touch and high level of jazz virtuosity. There's a certain spiritual quality due to Hendelman's Middle Eastern upbringing, but you clearly hear influences of jazz virtuosos like Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and even a bit of Chick Corea. Hendelman plays with the confidence of a seasoned veteran, swinging easily, dipping into the blues, or waxing in a poetic, serene manner. It is that subtle, delicate touch on tracks such as "Babushka" or Jarrett's "My Song" that seems to resonate with his soul. But then again, the busy, cascading "BQE" demonstrates he's no lightweight, while an extension of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Passarim" gives the listener more food for thought. A budding master, Tamir Hendelman looks to be a solid, accessible, enjoyable jazz performer for many years to come if Destinations is any indication. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi