Never thought it would come to this but I'm actually listening to contemporary jazz and incredibly smooth jazz at that with nothing remotely avant-garde in sight. Assaf Kehati is an Israeli jazz guitarist based in the USA and, with his cohorts Alon Farber, Daniel Sapir and Udi Shlomo, they have unleashed "Flowers and Other Stories" upon the world.
"Flowers and Other Stories" is an elegant musical concoction indeed. Melodies are skilfully weaved by what are best described as master craftsmen as these seven songs drift by without even making the slightest attempt to trumpet the talent that created them. Alon Farber's saxophone makes the prettiest of patterns to decorate "Tali" and likewise subtly resprays "The Snow and The Sun" in pastel shades but perhaps the most surprising thing here though is our Mr Kehati himself. Whilst his guitar is omnipresent, he plays with such subtlety that he relegates himself to being a background player. It is probably his style to be generous with the time in the spotlight that he gives to others but, equally, Mr Kehati could easily be found guilty of hiding his light under a bushel.
So, all in all, a classy album that is certain to offend no one.
Available from CD Baby.