Sarel River
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Sarel River

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"All Music Guide"

For his second album, guitarist Sarel River takes his regular quartet through a play list of original material, with the exception of Joe Henderson's "Serenity". River is a native of Haifa, Israel, has gigged in Budapest, eventually relocating in New York where he has become active on the local jazz circuit. The not oft heard combination of guitar and flute creates a different but pleasant aural sensation, having an echo chamber effect on some cuts. River and flautist Matan Klein work together in carrying the melody lines of River's compositions.
Helping to keep the music from falling into a rut is River's ability to balance smooth, clean single string affects with heavier chords, especially when playing in duet with Klein. Not only does this give greater variety to the quality of the guitar, but it also changes the sound of the flute, one of the more limited instruments in the jazz arsenal. This recalls work by groups headed by Joe Farrell and Hubert Laws. The tactic also gives the impression that there are two guitars on the album, one playing strictly rhythm. One hears the effect of this approach on such tunes as "Two in One" and "Back Home". The group achieves a delicate balance in the way they mesh. As River and Matan take up the front line duties, Mat Pennman's bass lays a solid foundation, along with an occasional solo, while fine drummer Steve Hass stays busy creating a variety of rhythmic undertones without overreaching.
River's compositions also are not overreaching and are unlikely to become part of the basic jazz literature. But they swing and bounce along, fortified by the outstanding musicianship of the performers, with the flute playing especially distinguished. Recommended (Four Stars ****)
- Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
- Dave Nathan


"Queens Chronicle"

ove at first sight often involves another person or even an object. But for jazz guitarist and composer, Sarel River, Cupid’s fateful arrow struck the very first time he heard jazz. As a young boy growing up in Haifa, Israel, the now Briarwood-based guitarist says jazz was something he felt connected to immediately. "It was right," he said. Featuring songs like "Misery," "Back Home" and "Moving," his new album is also his first. The album, "2 In One," conveys River’s passion for jazz and how he uses it as a tool to communicate and also understand himself and the world. River, 38, started playing guitar when he was 18, jamming away with his friends. He soon started taking lessons and came across jazz, after which he was never the same. "I was really impressed by the richness of the music."
Eventually he decided to move to America, the birthplace of jazz, to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. "I knew that if I really wanted to learn, I had to go to the place where it came from." River went to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied guitar performance and received a degree in music. After graduating in 1994, he followed his wife to Budapest, Hungary, where she was going to school for a year. The Eastern European city inspired River to explore and experiment musically and to eventually write "Budapest in 95," which can be found on his album.
River says all of his experiences affect his music in one way or another. Some of the masters who have inspired River include John Scofield, an innovator of modern jazz; horn players John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins because of their improvisational techniques and piano player-composer Thelonius Monk, one of River’s favorites. He is also a fan of early and modern jazz, be-bop, swing and classical music. When River finally made it to New York, after Budapest, he knew he had come home. "It is the mecca of jazz. It blew my mind away because it’s the only place in the world where people can live in a place with perfect harmony with each other." He discovered noted Manhattan jazz clubs like Smalls, The Blue Note and Bar 51, that quickly became his favorite spots. River says recording his new album motivated him to finally put together all of the ideas and compositions he has collected through the years. The title, "2 In One," comes from a blend of two musical ideas. The sounds of the guitar and the flute come together uniquely, giving the album a distinct sound and appeal.
The album features a quartet which includes Steve Hass on the drums, Mat Pennman on the bass and Mattan Klein on the flute. In one of his songs, "Moving," River wrote about having to take a second job as a mover in order to pay his way through school in Boston. Another song, "Misery," is a ballad he composed some 10 years ago when he was experiencing difficult financial times. It captures his mood at the time with an inspiring and moving guitar solo. Keeping in tune with River’s technique of drawing from his own life experiences, "Back Home" was inspired by a visit to Israel six years ago. "The introduction sets the mood (jazz waltz) by building the groove gradually." One of River’s priorities is to keep growing as a musician. "I want to experience new things in music and I want to prove much more by exploring more possibilities in music. "Music is not just for musicians. It touches everyone. It is the best medium to get through to people and the best therapy." Jazz, he said, is something that will always be with him.
Plans to produce a new album next year are in the works. The quartet will be touring the East Coast starting in April. "2 In One," which is nationally distributed by Big Daddy, can be found at HMV and Tower Records.
- Lucy Banduci, Queens Chronicle - Lucy Banduci


"Just Jazz Guitar"

Mr. Blue Eyes is Sarel River's third studio release as a leader. Sarel's musical journey began as a child in Israel, absorbing everything from European classical music to pop music. He studied the violin and later the guitar. Eventually jazz was introduced to him and Sarel commented, "After that, it was all jazz, all the time." River entered the Berklee School of music in 1989 and began an inten­sive collaboration with professor Jerry Bergonzi, who described Sarel as "an unbelievable player and person­ality."
River has had a number of years' experience playing throughout Europe and the US. Performing as well as composing and arranging are skills that Sarel has honed over the last decade since finishing school. Mr. Blue Eyes demonstrates all of these skills very highly. A tribute to his son who passed away at age 8 months from cancer, Mr. Blue Eyes is a beautiful work. The recording is described as "ebullient and brooding, complex and completely accessible. It reflects the skills of a maturing artist who has by necessity transformed tragedy into a stunning homage." Agreed, there is a depth to the compositions and arranging that reflects the Miles and Trane recordings. While Sarel is a guitarist, he eschews the typical "head, burn, trade 4's, head and out" type of song. His compositions are more complex, yet remain very melodic. Several tunes feature piano and horn arrangements in the foreground. The guitar supports the compositions with a very strong voice, as well. The improvisation is superb, modern, yet melodic. River's disc is a breath of fresh air. The interplay between musicians is intuitive and sophisticated. Chops are fantastic, yet restrained when appropriate.
From the classical-sounding piano intro in "Mount Judah on My Mind," to the Latin sounding "Stormy Tuesday" and the beautiful, lulling "Mr. Blue Eyes," Sarel River's latest disc provides a window into the creative world of a very musical player. Mr. Blue Eyes is well worth a listen. I look forward to hearing more music from this talented guitarist.
- Eric Elias, Just Jazz Guitar
- Eric Elias


"Jazz Improv"

Sarel River's independently produced CD, Mr. Blue Eyes, is a wonderful document of the healthy state of so-called "straight ahead" jazz. River's pro­gram is comprised of entirely original material, all of which would more or less fall into the category of traditional or straight ahead jazz. Do not take this to mean that the disc sounds dated or old fa­shioned. Quite the contrary. River's jazz may be rooted in tradition but it is fresh and modern sound­ing. As impressive with his pen as his guitar, Sarel River is a musician of much depth.
Mr Blue Eyes begins with "Mount Judah on My Mind", a bluesy medium swing number. This tune has a relaxed and laid back feel and swingin' solos from both River and trumpeter Dave Scott. This tune is preceded and followed by a contrasting ser­ene "vignette". "Stormy Tuesday" follows, begin­ning with an introduction by bassist Ron McClure, in an Afro-Cuban Latin style. River's instrumental choices and arrangement on this tune (as well as others) have a chamber like quality, decidedly re­miniscent of Miles Davis' classic Birth of the Cool. That Gil Evans / Miles Davis sensibility can also be found on the medium swing tune "Main Street Fugue". The title cut is a ballad which River per­forms with McClure and drummer Bruce Hall. The melody and changes are well crafted and River's solo on this tune is captivating.
The program continues with "Waltz for EJ", a light and gentle tune, set in 1/4 time. The band here is a quartet; the aforementioned trio plus pianist David Berkman. Another quartet (this time it's the trio and Adam Kolker on alto flute) perform "The Power of Your Smile", a bossa-nova. River and Kolker take fantastic solos and the unusual choice of the alto flute makes a fine addition to this tune. "Short Visit" is another waltz. It begins with a trio introduction. Kolker plays tenor. Solos here are up to the high standards of the rest of the CD. The closing number is "I-95", performed by the same quartet (plus pianist David Berkman). River plays his medium blues melody alone one time and in unison with Kolker, still on tenor, a second. River sounds just as tasty comping with or without the piano. The tunes are well written and the performances are excellent. This is a CD definitely worthy of a serious listen.
One of the first things that struck me about Mr Blue Eyes was the cover, for there's a beautiful baby boy pictured on it. He looks to be under a year old. Look closely and you'll see that he must be Mr. Blue Eyes himself, because he does have rather striking blue eyes. Look even closer and you'll see the dedication at the bottom of the cover. Mr Blues Eyes is dedicated to Sarel River's son, who died at the age of eight months from Neuroblastoma. One of the first things I said in this review was that Sarel River was a muscian of much depth. That this horrible tragedy may have something to do with that depth is a harrowing thought. What a terrible price to pay. Deepest condolences go to Sarel from this reviewer and Improv Magazine. River makes a wish on the cover for his son. I'd like to end by wishing the same for the beautiful baby boy on the cover Mr. Blue Eyes. "May he rest in peace, and may his love to music keep his memory alive."
- Dave Miele, Jazz Improv - - Dave Miele,


"- Jazz Review.com"

he sun will shine again when the rain subsides and the clouds uncover the sun to shine in its magnificent sky. The release of Mr. Blue Eyes is a bittersweet one for guitar virtuoso Sarel River. This is the third studio release for River which was recorded in April of 2005. River’s baby boy, Ethan, also known as Mr. Blue Eyes passed away from cancer in June of 2004, at the age of eight months. After the initial shock and grief abated, River decided to pick up his guitar once again, and what he has created is not only a timeless tour de force but also, a truly devoted and inspirational homage to his dearly departed son. Each title and composition has a reference to baby Ethan’s life.
River first became interested in music in his childhood home in Haifa, Israel where he was exposed to both classical music and opera. In 1989, River left Israel to study at one of the world’s most prestigious music schools – Boston’s Berklee College of Music. River has become known within the jazz scene for his commitment to performing his original compositions.
Mr. Blue Eyes opens with the melancholy yet tender track, “Mount Judah On My Mind.” “Stormy Tuesday” is nothing short of brilliant! Everything from the stunning solos to the breaks. This song reflects emotional highs and lows. This track in particular will most assuredly be on repeat in every household fortunate to have a copy. The album continues with “Main Street Fugue” and the very audibly emotional “Mr. Blue Eyes.” “Waltz For E.J.” is another poignant composition. The talent of these musicians is almost tangible – and certainly easy to hear. The album closes with “The Power Of Your Smile,” “Short Visit,” and “I-95.” David Berkman on piano is, to some extent, reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi. Berkman is exceptional in his own right.
This is an exceptional album due not only to the underlying inspiration, but also, to the amazing artistry established by these wonderful musicians. Mr. Blue Eyes will live on forever.
- Jazz Review.com - Katrina-Kasey Wheeler


"Jazz Guitar Life"

Sarel River : Mr. Blue Eyes

Sarel River is a fine jazz guitarist out of New York via Hafai, Boston and Budapest who, with his third release, Mr. Blue Eyes, showcases his strengths as a composer, arranger and thoughtful improviser. His playing on all eight original tunes is very tasty and well crafted, opting for a more thoughtful approach than the “lets see how many notes I can play” syndrome. But just as important as his playing, maybe even more so, is his composition and arranging skills.

Sarel River has the splendid ability to create emotion, through the various instrumentation he writes and arranges for. Just check out the warmth that Trumpet and Flugelhorn player Dave Scott brings to the table on the opening track “Mount Juddah On My Mind”. Or listen to the sweet softness of Adam Kolker’s Alto Flute as he states the melody on “The Power of Your Smile” and then takes a nice solo adding affection through the changes. Sarel also sneaks in a couple of “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise” quotes in his solo which fits nicely within the harmony.

Tracks two and three, “Stormy Tuesday” and “Main Street Fugue” respectively, bring in a few other players resulting in a phat “small” big band sound that had me snapping my fingers to the swing of it all. Apart from the swinging rhythm section of Ron McClure on Bass, Bruce Hall on Drums and David Berkman on Piano, Sarel also fills the sound with the addition of Allen Ferber on Trombone along with the aforementioned Dave Scott and Adam Kolker who handles Soprano, Alto and Tenor saxophone duties alongside his Alto Flute playing. This is definitely a great grouping of cats with some great charts (check out the hip tutti section of “Main Street Fugue”) and the sound that emanates from these players is reminiscent of the old Blue Note recordings of the sixties and seventies.

The common thread throughout these tunes however is Sarel River’s guitar playing which is warm and round, providing a contemplative energy to the tunes. His lines flow easily and his melodic content is harmonically in the pocket. He’s definitely listened to the gamut of “old school” Jazz Guitar-masters and fits in quite nicely in that milieu. His solo work, especially on “Mr. Blue Eyes” is warm and expressive and conjures up a hint or two of Kenny Burrell’s earlier period. Also noteworthy on this tune is Bassist Ron McClure’s feel and dynamic range in both his accompaniment and improvising. A beautiful tune indeed made more so by Sarel’s volume swelled chordal comping.

“Waltz For EJ” also shows Sarel’s sensitive side as he opens up the tune with a nice chord melody intro followed by David Berkman’s Tyner-esque chords and feel. Berkman’s solo is also first rate and brings to mind snippets of McCyoy Tyner and Bill Evans. Not to shabby at all.

The final tune on “Mr. Blue Eyes” is a very cool blues with a Monk-ish style head. Sarel and Adam get to blow some smokin' lines through the changes while Drummer Bruce Hall makes the tune swing as he rides the ride cymbal hard. Bassist Ron McClure lays it down keeping the bottom walking smoothly. A great tune that wound up sticking in my head for days...which is always a good sign.

The one bittersweet sentiment of this CD is that it is a loving tribute to Sarel and Daphne Sack River's baby boy Ethan, who passed away from cancer in June of 2004, at the age of eight months. The fact that Sarel could find the strength to write, play on and record this CD is testament to his passion towards this music and the ever-lasting love for his son. Thank you Sarel River for a wonderful tribute to Mr Blue Eyes..
- Lyle Robinson


"Queens Courier"

Father Fights Cancer That Took his Son

After losing his young son three years ago to a form of cancer that affects children called Neuroblastoma, Sarel River is organizing a concert at Flushing Town Hall in hops of raising awareness about the disease while also raising funds to go towards research.
A native of Haifa Israel, River came to the United State in 1989 to attend Berklee Collage of Music in Boston, graduating in 1994. A jazz musician he compose as well as plays the guitar, which he first learned when he was 18 years old.
River, who slso spent time living in Budapest, now lives with his wife Daphne on the Long Island and Queens border in Hewlett. The couple has a one-year old son and another child due in November.
when River and his wife's son Ethan
was 8 months- old, he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that effects the nervous system. There is currently no cure for this form of cancer,which rarely affects children over the age of ten.
Following Ethan's death, River said that he was unable to do anything for several months. However, he eventually decided to play tribute to his sun through his original music. "I tried to find a way to keep his memory alive," Sarel River
River accomplish that through the CD "Mr. Blue Eyes," which is dedicated to Ethan and was released in 2005.
After his wife found information about the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation(www.cncf-child-cancer.org) on the internet, River approached the organization about having a fundraising concert. The first annual concert will take place on Monday, October22 at 7 P.M. at Flushing Town Hall and will feature eight original compositions by River.
Joining him for the concert will be bassist Ron McLure, Drumer Bruce Hall, Pianist David Berkman trumpeter/flugelhorn player Dave Scott, Saxophonist/flutist Adam Kollker and trombonist Allen Ferber.
All proceeds from the concert willbenefit the children's Neuroblastoma cancer Foundation. The organization was found after the passing of Nicholas A. Tallunganwhen he was 10 years old. The main components of its mission are to encourage and support research, provide services to children with Neuroblastoma and their families, and educate the public and health car providers about this form of cancer.
"Basically what we're trying to do is get the public to know about the disease,"said Sarel River, adding that the money raised will help with research so that at some point in the future other parents will not have to go through the same thing that he and his wife did. - Jessica Lyons


"jazz improv NY"

Jazz guitarist Sarel River is a man on a mission:
to raise as much money as he can for Th e Children’s
Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation. Th ree years ago,
River knew nothing of the Foundation, let alone had
ever heard of a type of cancer called Neuroblastoma.
But life throws curve balls and tends to make strange
bed fellows. It wasn’t until River’s eight-month old
son, Ethan, started getting sick. “He was a happy
child, shared River,” always smiling. All of a sudden
one day, he couldn’t stop vomiting. My wife and I
were scared, so we took him to the doctor. Th ey ran
extensive tests for a week and they couldn’t fi nd anything.”
To cover all bases, the doctor ordered an ultrasound
scan. What showed was a grapefruit-sized
mass in Ethan’s abdomen. Th e tumor was diagnosed
as a neuroblastoma which is a type of cancer that
attacks the nervous system. Typically it is found in
children around two years old, but in Ethan’s case,
it happened much earlier. From that moment on, the
next 24 hours were a roller-coaster. “Th ey decided
that the tumor was so big and so aggressive, the doctors
said that there was no other option than to operate
immediately. Th ey did a bone-scan and they were
very optimistic because they didn’t see that the cancer
had gone to other organs. Th e doctors projected
a 96% success rate. A week aft er the initial vomiting
episode, Ethan went into the operating room and
died on the table. It was almost as if he had died in
a car accident, you know? You don’t prepare yourself
for those kinds of things and suddenly it hits you and
he’s gone. It shows you how fragile life is.”
Devastated, the fi rst six months were a blur for
River and he couldn’t do anything having just lost
his fi rst and only child. Aft er six months, he started
to write music again and wrote songs that became
a tribute to Ethan’s life — a CD called Mr. Blue
Eyes. “I set his life to music,” said River. Th e tragedy
brought Sarel and his wife closer. “Music used to be
my whole life — now I’m singing in a whole diff erent
way. It brought a whole new perspective to my life.
My wife was searching on the internet and found
Th e Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation
(CNCF). It is the goal of CNCF to assist the medical
community with research grants and off er support
to the children and their families through education
and advocacy. A lot of people have never heard of this
type of cancer before. I didn’t even know what it was
before it aff ected me. I want to build awareness about
neuroblastoma cancer and also to raise money for the
Foundation to help those families that are currently
on their own roller coaster ride. Ethan was lucky, if
you want to call it that. He didn’t have to suff er too
long. Th ere are children and families who are battling
this disease for years. Th e ups and downs — it’s
devastating.”
Th is is the fi rst benefi t concert that Sarel River
is producing. It will be three hours plus of great
music and will have three parts. Th e fi rst part will
be the music of Frank Sinatra by the Frank Sinatra
band. Some of musicians have played with the Duke
Ellington’s band — some great musicians. Th e second
segment will feature Sarel River’s own band and
all the music that is currently on the my last CD Mr.
Blue Eyes, which was a tribute to Ethan. Th e band
includes Ron McClure on bass, Adam Kolter on sax,
David Berkman on piano, Dave Scott trumpet and
Jeff Hirschfi eld on drums. Th e third segment is L.A.
based vocalist Betsyann Faiella.
Th e concert will be held in Flushing Town Hall
Queens on October 22nd at 7:00pm. All proceeds
will be donated to the foundation. “We cannot stop
in our eff orts to fund the necessary research to help
fi nd a cure for this horrid disease,” said River. “Please
help us to reach out to others and increase awareness
about neuroblastoma.” Donations collected online
go directly to the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer
Foundation. CNCF is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofi t organization,
so your donation is tax-deductible to the
full extent of the law. Th e CNCF’s Tax ID # is 36-
4370725. www.cncf-childcancer.org, or visit www.
sarelriver.com.
Sarel River: A Tribute to Mr. Blue Eyes
First Annual Concert for Th e Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation
By Annie Simmons
- Annie Simmons


Discography

I have relesed tow cds which was brodcast all over the east cost
1) Two In One
2) Mr. Blue Eyes

Photos

Bio

Mr. River’s love affair with music began in his childhood home in Haifa, Israel, where he was surrounded by European classical music and opera, the most prevalent influences on Israeli listeners in the early 1960’s. Sarel learned to play the violin and spent every minute possible gleaning information from the recordings and radio to which he had access. When the pop revolution started to filter onto Israeli radio from England, Sarel began buying the new music and soon became a Beatles fanatic, captivated and motivated by their simplicity and lyricism. His interest broadened to include nearly every type of music that he could find, and he learned to play the

guitar at the age of eighteen. It was after his mandatory military service in the Israeli army that he was introduced to jazz by his first teacher. That fortuitous event instantly determined Sarel River’s musical path. Says River, “After that, it was all jazz, all the time.” River decided to leave Israel in 1989 to enter Boston’s Berklee College of Music, one of the world’s most prestigious musical laboratories. His move to the U.S. was prompted by Sarel’s belief that if you want to learn something, you have to go to the source. At Berklee, Sarel began an intensive collaboration with professor Jerry Bergonzi, the private teacher who encouraged and honed Sarel’s improvisational skills. He describes Bergonzi as “an unbelievable player and personality.” River would often show up early to class just so he could listen discreetly to what Bergonzi was saying to other students. Bergonzi’s influence, along with that of Larry Bione and Sarel’s other teachers, laid the foundation for Rivers’ philosophy as a performer, and a teacher. Says River, “What I learned at Berklee, which was almost more important than anything else, was that music is a language which evokes a mood. You have to create sentences, which in music are phrases with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Fancy licks are earned by masters like Scofield and Montgomery because the fundamentals of phrasing and melody are the basis of their vocabulary. “
River began to step out professionally while still a student at Berklee, soloing in concerts with The Boston Afro-American Artist Association Festival in Copley Square, and at the Lawrence and Alma Berk Recital Hall. After graduating in 1994, Sarel moved to Budapest with his wife while she attended medical school. In Eastern Europe, the jazz scene was just emerging from underground after the relatively recent demise of the Berlin Wall. At the time, people spoke little English, but Budapest was slowly emerging as a musical destination for the festival crowd. During the cold, bleak winter of 1995, Sarel began to teach, play sessions and write. One result of that experience is his unusual composition, “Budapest in 95,” which appears on 2 In One. Sarel returned to Boston after a year and within months, he relocated to NYC to pursue his career, while his wife remained abroad to complete her degree. River quickly became sought after on the Manhattan jazz scene, gigging on every session and live date that came his way, paid or unpaid. He has held fast to his commitment of showcasing his original compositions, playing gigs at Small’s and The Garage Café among other clubs .
In 2001, River contributed big band arrangements for the tribute to saxophone legend James Spaulding presented by The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Now an established performer looking back on his first decade in New York, he stresses the ideas he feels are essential to an artist’s development. Says River, “Everyone has to eat, but if you turn music into a grind, playing things you don’t want to play, with people who don’t interest you, you might as well be a plumber. You will lose, or never even develop, your edge. You have to free your mind from forms and limitations. You have to notate ideas and develop them. The most important thing is to find your own voice, to infuse your playing with your own personality, and to practice. Not to learn fancy licks, but to expand ideas. I like the challenge of taking a line and seeing how far I can go, how many variations I can create.”
When reflecting on the jazz he encountered and wrote in Budapest, River stated that everyone’s personal expression is influenced by his environment and experiences. Sarel River can make that statement with a bittersweet confidence about his newest release, Mr. Blue Eyes. The Mr. Blue Eyes of the title refers to Sarel and Daphne Sack River’s baby boy Ethan, who passed away from cancer in June of 2004, at the age of eight months. The idea for the title song came just two weeks before the baby’s sudden illness and death, as Sarel was looking into his son’s eyes one day, understanding for the first time in his life the meaning of “unconditional love.” In the grief and shock that followed, Sarel was unable to touch his guitar for several months. When he finally did, his project became a dedication to his f