Afterallogy
Naive/Believe, 2021
8/10
Even though Noa and Gil Dor have been performing and recording together for 30 years now, Afterallogy is actually their first true jazz album, where the duo bring both originals and classics that are handled with the utmost care, love and respect for the songs.
“My Funny Valentine” starts the listen with Noa’s sublime, stirring vocals flowing alongside Dor’s precise guitar playing as they reimagine the standard in their own light, and “The Masquerade” follows with Noa’s stunning range on display amid the playful climate.
Landing near the middle, the romantic “But Beautiful” offers a gorgeous peek into the timeless vocal prowess and sublime guitar work, while “Something’s Coming” moves at a quicker pace that possesses plenty of beauty in its frisky delivery. “Darn That Dream”, a late album highlight, then resides in passionate balladry as Noa impresses with her versatile craft, and Dor’s intricate finger work isn’t anything to spit at either.
Towards the end, “Waltz For Neta”, a Dor original, plants an instrumental that’s so meticulous it hardly seems that just one guitar is present, and “Every Time We Say Goodbye” finishes out the listen on an emotive and dreamy note that resonates much warmth.
A pair whose divine chemistry has been consistent since their first performance together in 1990, whether it’s a radiant original or a glowing interpretation, Noa and Dor handle the setting with much poise on this careful and cozy collaboration.
Travels well with: Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key; Linda Purl- Taking A Chance On Love