TALAT

" TALAT brings something unxepected to every track, playing blues, funk and even mellower tunes has compelling chemistry in abundance. This kind of fluidity cannot be accomplished unless solid relationships are both ecnouraged and formed between musicians."
- ALL ABOUT JAZZ

" TALAT seamlessly merges Jewish Klezmer stylizations with Middle Eastern modalities into a largely, persuasive modern jazz vibe. With sonorous flows, prophetic themes and propulsive shifts in momentum, the musicians indulge in tension/release episodes, topped off with melodic storylines, where the artists fuse explorative frameworks with a dancehall type sensibility. Overall, this is a radiantly produced session, firmed-up by the group’s conveyance of good cheer and excellence in execution."
- EJAZZ

TALAT, an exciting quintet joins the ranks of groups like new Klezmer Trio and Masada with their release of The Growl, Has the ability to add a strong underlying harmonic foundation or simply mix the obvious amounts of klezmer and jazz, free or otherwise, with classical music influence and up to date harmonic sense that leans toward jazz from the past decade.This album has something for everybody and Talat is a group worthy of a lot more attention. - JAZZ IMPROV

TALAT is a NY based quintet with exceptional abilities and technique- hearing this album really knocked me out completely. Never before have I heard such a harmonious and clever interchange of Klezmer and jazz, almost painfully brilliant. The music cleverly moves between the Klezmer-like melodies and the jazz-like improvisations with such ease and elegance that the transition seems to be perfectly natural and smooth. The arrangements are devilishly clever and intricate, but easy on the ear, so this wonderful music should please even the less experienced listeners who had little experience with contemporary improvised music. This is a rare gem and an essential examp le of music transcending the limitations of what is considered humanly possible. A must ! - JAZZIZ

TALAT's sly klez-jazz hybrid sounds right at home at John Zorn's Tzadik Label, which has recently released the quintet's debut: The Growl - NEW YORK

Composed of five accomplished musicians, TALAT plays original interpretations of klezmer, Middle Eastern grooves and African themes and spirituals, roaming between the borders of jazz, groove and improvisation. With piano, trumpet, saxophone, bass and percussion, TALAT offers improvised interludes, riveting solos and spontaneous team play. Combined with familiar riffs and lively rhythms, they create music that is as challenging as it is appealing. Bandleader and pianist Alon Nechushtan is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, and the recipient of numerous awards and grants. The band’s debut recording on the prestigious Tzadik label earned accolades from music critics around the world. TALAT has toured in the US, Europe and the Middle East, and this is their DC debut. WASINGTON POST1 - WASINGTON POST

TALAT are a group based out of New York City. Their meshing of Klezmer music with other musical discliplines is what makes up their sound. Using Klezmer as the backbone of the sound allows Talat to use Israel as not only a physical but musical melting pot homeland an thus other styles come into play: North African modes and Middle Eastern rhythms conduct themselves as if in a lively conversation in a busy market. Just about all the composition on the recording clock in at over 5 minutes allowing the band to stretch out with many fine improvisational passages. The Jazz aspects (as well as the textured, spacey grooves that serve as interludes) seem reflect the musicians New York City experiences as part of their melting pot sound.If you like challenging yet engaging improvisational instrumental music then Talat is for your ears ! - WORLD RHYTHM MAGAZINE

TALAT produces an unclassifiable sound with the release of their recent album, The Growl. With brasses blowing and cascading piano keys, the sextet fuses traditional cultural sounds with new grooves and jives of the modern jazz age. “The Growl” appropriately commences the album, boasting a diverse collection of sounds and audio experiences. Teasing the listening audience with a taste of their versatility, Talat utilizes 9 minutes and 29 seconds to relax the listener, have them dancing in their seats, and then entrancing them, in the final moments, with mystical jazzy compositions. Talat’s wide array of musical mastering and expertise coalesce in The Growl, a masterpiece guaranteed to leave a multicultural purring in your ears.

- NEW YORK

TALAT steeped in the traditions of jazz, klezmer/Yiddish musics, and middle eastern structures, Talat immediately brings to mind John Zorn's Masada (particularly the releases of the Masada Chamber Ensembles), Frank London's band Hasidic New Wave, the earlier material of New Klezmer Trio, Paradox Trio, and several other related groups; led by pianist/organist Alon Nechushtan and featuring saxophonist Marc Mommaas, drummer Jordan Perlson, bassist Matt Pavolka, and trumpeter Matt Shulman, Talat weaves together a great many influences in a manner that sounds natural if not a bit ominous, grooving if not a bit swinging, and often reminiscent of a somber freylekh - SAN FRANSISCO

TALAT plays a lively, horn-heavy brand of jazz. Their roots are firmly and fundamentally planted in bebop, but their deep Jewish influences push them into unique territory :classy jazz with an adventurous spirit and not a shred of pretension, has a real creation on their hands, and they deserve to be heard :alluring, cerebral, technically impressive. - SAN FRANSISCO