What’s Heating Up This Summer

Back in July of 2010, I wrote about Oren Lavoie and his song, “Morning Elegance.” From time to time, I check back to see what artists like Oren Lavoie are up to, and I take a peek at the artists that YouTube suggests along the right hand side of the page.

Recently, one of the suggestions was Avi Lebovich and the Orchestra. Unfamiliar with the group, I listened to a few selections and felt transported back to the days when Earth, Wind and Fire and Tower of Power could be heard on most radio stations and the world grooved right along with them as they headed to work first thing in the morning, and back home at the end of the work day.

So what do we know about Avi Lebovich and the Orchestra? A little Internet research uncovered a few interesting facts including the fact that Avi put this orchestra together a decade ago and to date he’s pulled together 12 top Israeli jazz musicians plus himself, and working together, they have created a Big Band sound that incorporates funk, disco, rock and ethnic influences. They have a sound that has catapulted a familiar style with familiar instrumentation into a completely different and thoroughly enjoyable style all their own.

In fact, one reviewer attending a performance by this orchestra two months ago, and this is what he had to say about the experience:

“[quote] Avi Lebovich and the Orchestra launched their second album, Volcano, in a hot jazzy concert at The Zone on Monday, March 18, 2013. Performing songs from the album, lyrical, groovy explosive originals and a mind-blowing arrangement of Lennon & McCartney’s Because, the exhilarating evening filled The Zone to overflowing and the orchestra hosted guests Nitai Hershkovitz, Shem Tov Levy, Tamar Eisenman and Elran Dekel (Funknstein) – what a night [end quote]!”

I suggest you click on this LINK:  Listen to the video posted with the article, read the review in its entirety, and check out the photographs.

Since the reviewer gave high marks to the musical arrangement of Because, I tracked it down on YouTube and gave it a spin. This arrangement was reminiscent of Spyra Gyra with a touch of GRP All Star Big Band and yet, it was very much Ari Lebovich Orchestra at the same time.

When you click on a YouTube suggestion, you know you’re taking a chance and sometimes those chances are hidden gems. This is one of those gems!

If you’re looking for a new musical experience this month, this band should definitely make that happen for you. Click on the video below, kick back and give the band a listen. If you love jazz, you’re going to love listening to this big band!