Silver On Aluminum
Queen Of Bohemia, 2025
9/10
On this 10th album as leader, the vibraphonist Eldad Tarmu gives the work of Horace Silver a fresh coat of paint via his inimitable delivery and the help of Mary Isenberg and Michael Shapira.
The animated and infectious “The St. Vitus Dance” starts the listen with the lively vibes and Isenberg’s frisky bass, and “Pyramid” follows with Shapira’s playful drumming complementing the fluid percussion.
At the halfway point, “Horacescope” isn’t short on rhythm amid the precise rhythm section, while “Gregory Is Here” allows for Tarmu’s mallet acrobatics to impress us in the album’s best track.
“Strollin’” and “Yeah” exit the listen. The former glides in 3 different keys with no lack of harnonies, and the latter is very quick, highly meticulous and dizzying in its rapid execution.
A jazz album that focuses on the vibraphone may be in short supply these days, but Tarmu’s innovative presence and commanding abilities might make you wish otherwise.
Travels well with: DNA- Continuum; The Joymakers- Down Where The Bluebonnets Grow