Introducing Omer Klein
“At 25, Klein has the potential to achieve something rare for a jazz musician: popularity. What he plays is exotic yet accessible and makes you feel fully alive.”
– JazzTimes
“Introducing” is the album that marked Omer Klein’s entrance to the New York Jazz scene, and the international scene as well.
The album features Bassist Omer Avital – a close friend and collaborator of Klein’s, and one of his important mentors in the early days. The ensemble is completed by drummer Ziv Ravitz and percussionist Itamar Doari.
The repertoire is comprised of 10 original compositions by Klein, including “Abutbul, an homage to Avital; the middle-eastern sounding “Oud Song”; the melancholic “Melody for Alon”; Omer’s tip of the hat to his hometown, “Netanya”, and others.
The media announced Klein’s arrival on the scene with great enthusiasm:
“Omer Klein has arrived without echoing any of the masters – an accomplishment these days” – Village Voice
“Klein makes an impressive debut on the American Jazz scene with this CD.” – All Music Guide
“Unrelenting energy… folk songs for the melting pot of the new millenium” – Jazz Times
“Considering the focused conceptual vision heard throughout this impressive debut, there is little doubt that Klein will emerge as a unique and recognizable voice in the coming years.” – All About Jazz
Introducing was also important in laying the ground for some of Omer’s meaningful musical relationships. He went on to play in Omer Avital’s band for several years, and is the pianist on the latter’s album Suite of the East.
The collaboration with Ziv Ravitz also became a long and fruitful one, the drummer joining the Omer Klein Trio for four years, playing on the albums Rockets on the Balcony and To The Unknown. Klein is also featured on Ravitz’s album Images from Home.
