Please can you tell us about your new album?
Time Traveler is my debut record. I chose this name because the album reflects a journey through time – both literally and emotionally.
It features some of my earliest compositions, written over a decade ago, now brought to life by the person I’ve become after years of growth – musically and personally. And yes, I also love to mess around with time when I play drums!
I wrote these pieces in my late teens and early twenties, a period when I was fortunate to play, tour and record with some of my heroes. Still, I wasn’t quite ready then to step forward as a bandleader the way I feel I can today.
The quartet features Nitzan Bar on guitar, Tomer Bar on piano and Tal Mashiach on double bass. We’ve all been playing together since we were high school age, and I feel they understand me and my music on the deepest level. Making music with them is truly a joy.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
There are a few exciting things happening:
First, there’s a new album in the works with Shai Maestro’s new quartet, featuring Gadi Lehavi on keys and Jorge Roeder on bass. This group has a really magical chemistry. The album is expected to be released in the fall, and we’ll be touring Europe in November. Stay tuned!
Another band very close to my heart is the GTO Trio – a collective group formed by pianist Gadi Lehavi, bassist Tal Mashiach, and myself. We play original compositions by all three of us, and our second album, Within, came out this past January.
I can honestly say that these two bands represent some of the best music I’ve made in my life.
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
I purchased a Vinyl of Wes Montgomery’s ‘Full House’!
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
This question is too difficult.. I have favourite albums from different eras. These are just a few of my favourites:
Blue – Joni Mitchell
Blue Matter – John Scofield
Four and More – Miles Davis
Aja – Steely Dan
Cresent – John Coltrane
I think that each one of them is a masterpiece in its own way, breaking the boundaries of music at the time and influencing generations of musicians.
Who has caught your attention recently that we should be listening out for?
I’ve heard a beautiful album by the trio Enemy (bassist Frans Petter Eldh, pianist Kit Downes and drummer James Maddren) callen ‘Fiend’. Amazing stuff.
Also, there is a new record that came out last year of a giants Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Henry Grimes & Jack DeJohnette called ‘Forces Of Nature: Live at Slugs’. Incredible playing!!
For more information visit ofrinehemya.com
